Assam’s Suresh to miss tie against Tripura:
Guwahati: An injury will be keeping all-rounder S Suresh, one of the most consistent performers of the Assam Ranji team this season, out of Assam’s crucial tie against Tripura starting on December 9.
One of three outstation recruits, Suresh had injured his finger while attempting a catch yesterday against Services. He missed out on all the action that saw his Tamil Nadu mates -- captain Sridharan Sharath and Sadagopan Ramesh -- bat Services out for a memorable win chasing 305 in 78 overs.
Confined to the hotel room, Suresh looked his usual self -- calm, composed and hopeful. “It is all part of the game. The stitches will be removed after seven days and in another three days I should start doing my usual stuff. The good news is that I will be fit before the semifinals, if everything goes well against Tripura,” the all-rounder said.
Guwahati: An injury will be keeping all-rounder S Suresh, one of the most consistent performers of the Assam Ranji team this season, out of Assam’s crucial tie against Tripura starting on December 9.
One of three outstation recruits, Suresh had injured his finger while attempting a catch yesterday against Services. He missed out on all the action that saw his Tamil Nadu mates -- captain Sridharan Sharath and Sadagopan Ramesh -- bat Services out for a memorable win chasing 305 in 78 overs.
Confined to the hotel room, Suresh looked his usual self -- calm, composed and hopeful. “It is all part of the game. The stitches will be removed after seven days and in another three days I should start doing my usual stuff. The good news is that I will be fit before the semifinals, if everything goes well against Tripura,” the all-rounder said.
Assam, with 11 points, need to take a first innings lead against Tripura to join Gujarat in the semi-finals.
A draw, which fetches one point, will also keep them in the hunt. The semi-finals are scheduled between December 25 and 28.
However, Suresh’s injury has only made the job of the team think tank and the selectors that much harder. He has 12 wickets and 187 runs from six innings, third highest after Sharath (239) and Ramesh (203).
However, Suresh’s injury has only made the job of the team think tank and the selectors that much harder. He has 12 wickets and 187 runs from six innings, third highest after Sharath (239) and Ramesh (203).
Reports from the ACA suggest that spinner Anand Katti has been sounded out for the Tripura match as the third outstation recruit.
“It is not yet final but since he can both bat and bowl, he is an option. We need a steady spinner. There is also a strong possibility of Tajinder Singh getting another chance before the big one,” one of them said.
A section feels that bringing in Katti for one match has no meaning as Suresh, if fit, will be back for the semis, if the team qualifies. Those in his favour say that he has to be sounded out as he will be the cover for all the three outstation recruits.
Sources pointed out that stress will be on strengthening the batting and that the team will remain unchanged to give the boys another chance to book their berths for the semifinals, most likely to be played at a neutral venue and against Railways.
The Ranji team will be announced tomorrow, barring last-minute changes.
“The home-bred players get one more chance. Thirty-forty runs will not be enough to ensure a seat; neither will two or three wickets do the trick. They have to consistently perform like they did yesterday against Services,” one of them said.
A couple of players have already been sounded out to perform or perish.
“It is not yet final but since he can both bat and bowl, he is an option. We need a steady spinner. There is also a strong possibility of Tajinder Singh getting another chance before the big one,” one of them said.
A section feels that bringing in Katti for one match has no meaning as Suresh, if fit, will be back for the semis, if the team qualifies. Those in his favour say that he has to be sounded out as he will be the cover for all the three outstation recruits.
Sources pointed out that stress will be on strengthening the batting and that the team will remain unchanged to give the boys another chance to book their berths for the semifinals, most likely to be played at a neutral venue and against Railways.
The Ranji team will be announced tomorrow, barring last-minute changes.
“The home-bred players get one more chance. Thirty-forty runs will not be enough to ensure a seat; neither will two or three wickets do the trick. They have to consistently perform like they did yesterday against Services,” one of them said.
A couple of players have already been sounded out to perform or perish.
Posted on: The Telegrpah (December 6)
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