Assam, led by Amol Mazumdar, are massively upbeat, and they have every reason to be, having made it to the Elite Group of the Ranji Trophy for the first time. Now they have a chance to create a real stir by knocking out one of the major teams.
Assam were determined to make an impression when they take on three-time finalists and last year's runners-up Uttar Pradesh in their quarterfinal match. “We are in the Elite Group for the first time and I am pleased with this. I want this trend to continue in the knock-out too,” said Muzumdar. “It's a great opportunity for a young and talented side and I know the boys have the ability to do it in style,” said Muzumdar. “It's going to be a good game for both teams as UP are a strong side with many experienced and national team players in the mix.”
UP's coach Gyanendra Pandey, for his part, claimed his team were not taking Assam lightly. “In today's cricket you can't underestimate any side. Moreover, they (Assam) have qualified for the Elite Group so we have to be very careful. Batting is one area where we have to improve in the match, as our bowling has been very good this season.”
The only worry for the two sides is the pitch at the NF Railway Stadium in Maligaon. “It's a low bounce and slow pitch and batsmen have to apply themselves, especially against spinners,” said Mazumdar.
{{/usCountry}}The only worry for the two sides is the pitch at the NF Railway Stadium in Maligaon. “It's a low bounce and slow pitch and batsmen have to apply themselves, especially against spinners,” said Mazumdar.
{{/usCountry}}Besides Suresh Raina and Sudeep Tyagi, UP will also be missing Praveen Kumar, who is on national duty in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. “The absence of PK does matter a lot to us, but we have good bench strength for this match,” said Pandey. Left-arm seamer Shalabh Srivastava, who already has 11 wickets in two matches this season, will share the new ball with RP Singh and all-rounder Bhuvaneshwar Kumar.
Besides openers Shivakant Shukla and Tanmay Srivastava, skipper Mohammadd Kaif and UP's 'Mr Dependable' Parvinder Singh will share the batting burden. Among Assam's players, all eyes will be on the experienced Dheeraj Jadhav. Seamer Abu Nachim Ahmed and offie Arien Konwar and veteran leggie Sairaj Bahutule will take care of the bowling department.