Intermittent rainfall washed the day one of the Ranji Trophy plate group A opener between the hosts Jharkhand and Delhi at the Keenan Stadium here on Sunday. Both the teams were scheduled for the match in the morning but wet ground conditions cancelled the Day One match.
Jharkhand State Cricket Association officials however, sounded confident, saying that while things weren’t looking too good but they were expecting a clear sky tomorrow.
“It has been raining on and off for the last three days and things were not looking too bright to be honest. But we are expecting a change in the weather from Monday. The drainage system isn’t an issue at the Keenan Stadium and the ground has already been covered. If there is a clear sky from Monday, it will allow the groundsmen to carry out their job of drying up the field after removing the covers. We are keeping our fingers crossed and expecting the weather to change by tomorrow,” official said.
Jharkhand finished second in Group C last year. Three outright wins and as many draws took them to the quarterfinals against Punjab. They were promoted to Group A for this season. The beginning of Jharkhand’s season will be watched for the comeback of two players who have had fleeting international careers so far — Varun Aaron and Saurabh Tiwary.
While Tiwary had a shoulder operation in August, Aaron has been plagued with injuries since he last played for India in 2011. Jharkhand also have a new coach in Subroto Banerjee and two new recruits — Bhavin Thakkar and Bhavik Thaker. Talking to the media persons at the stadium coach Subroto Banerjee said that their preparation for the season and the opening match against Delhi was outright, though rain interrupted outdoor practice they had been camping for the last 3-4 months and boys were raring to go.
Banerjee added that we are positive in our approach and the boys are trying their best to make a mark as they are the future of our country. Asked about the comeback of two big players Banerjee said that Varun Aaron and Saurabh Tiwary were fully fit and were raring to go.
It may be noted Jharkhand began their Ranji campaign last year with an outright win by an innings and 31 runs against Jammu & Kashmir — but will face a stiffer challenge in their first game against Delhi this year. Jharkhand finished second in Group C last year. While they shone in the lightweight Group C last season, the more accomplished opponents this season will test how far Jharkhand have progressed.