Dropped from the Indian Test staff after his extended lean run with the bat, Ajinkya Rahane would be the focus when heavyweights Mumbai play Goa of their Elite Group D Ranji Trophy recreation right here from Thursday.
Rahane did rating a much-needed hundred (129) of their opener in opposition to Saurashtra, however that might not save his place within the Test squad for the upcoming two-match collection in opposition to Sri Lanka.
The former India vice-captain, although, wish to proceed in the identical trend in opposition to a Goa assault that isn’t more likely to pose many issues.
Apart from Rahane, one other Mumbaikar who can be in focus is younger Sarfaraz Khan, whose purple patch in pink ball cricket continues, having hammered a monumental 275 in opposition to Saurahstra.
The 41-time Ranji champions would look to safe full factors from the sport after Saurashtra denied them an outright win.
With a batting line-up comprising skipper Prithvi Shaw, Rahane, Sarfaraz, Aakarshit Gomel, Sachin Yadav and senior stumper Aditya Tare, Mumbai would look to pile up the runs on the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Their bowlers led by pacer Dhawal Kulkarni should hit the correct areas and the position of off-spinner Tanush Kotian and left-arm spinner Shams Mulani can be essential if Mumbai are to take 20 opposition wickets.
Overall Mumbai, who’re a lot stronger than the staff from the coastal state, wish to dominate their opponents from ball one.
Goa, alternatively, who has additionally secured a draw in opposition to Odisha of their opener, might want to enhance in all of the three departments.
Skipper Snehal Kauthankar, who made an unbeaten 165 in opposition to Odisha, would want help from different batters like Suyash Prabhudessai, Amogh Desai and Sumiran Amonkar.
The Goa assault led by the skilled Srikant Wagh should be at its greatest to cease a powerful Mumbai batting line-up from placing up an enormous whole. For Goa, the position of all-rounder Shubham Ranjane would even be essential.
The different Group D recreation will see Saurashtra tackle Odisha.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
