Ranji Trophy: Rain threat looms as Tamil Nadu begins quest for elusive title against host Hyderabad

Against the backdrop of inner bickerings within the Hyderabad Cricket Association, for a change, motion will probably be on the sphere when Hyderabad takes on Tamil Nadu within the four-day Ranji Trophy season opener on the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium right here from Tuesday.

With darkish clouds hovering throughout, the specter of rain can’t be ignored. Tamil Nadu will probably be excessive on confidence after making it to the quarterfinal within the just lately concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy 50-over match. The newest sensation N. Jagadeesan, who scored 5 centuries within the championship, together with a world report particular person rating of 277, would be the star attraction.

Baba Indrajith will lead Tamil Nadu, which has some thrilling expertise like his deputy R. Sai Kishore and new faces, which embody batter Affan Khader, sluggish bowler Ajith Ram and pacer Trilok Nag.

No doubt, the big-hitting M. Shahrukh Khan, out of motion because of a knee damage, will probably be missed. But, all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who’s again after lacking the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, may have the expertise to financial institution on.

For the house staff, Tilak Varma and left-arm pacer Chama Milind, each down with accidents, will probably be missed even because the staff appears to be like to the in-form Rohith Rayudu, who scored 490 runs within the Vijay Hazare Trophy with two centuries and two fifties.

Captain Tanmay Agarwal is predicted to guide from the entrance a staff which has fairly a number of younger faces.

“Well, the absence of big names like (Mohammed) Siraj, Tilak (Varma), who should be fit for the next round, and (Chama) Milind, might also mean the younger players can showcase their talent. We hope to start the season on a positive note and take the entire season match by match,” Tanmay stated.