Duleep Trophy 2017/18: Raina Looking to Make Use of Experience, Karthik Banks on Young Players

A day ahead of final of the second edition of Duleep Trophy 2017/18, both the captains viz Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik have shown confidence in their side, as both, the discarded Indian players, are looking to bank on their strengths before going into the final contest.

Coming to Raina first, the home captain is banking upon the experience of Ishant Sharma – who recently got appointed as the vice-captain of Delhi Ranji team  – and Pankaj Singh. Both couldn’t have much match practice due to rain, but it will a tough task for India Red opening batsmen to deal with the pace and bounce generated by these two experienced new ball bowlers,

“It’s an important game for everyone including Ishant. Certainly, we couldn’t get match practice due to rain in the last two matches. But we are a balanced side. The presence of Ishant and Pankaj Singh on the side is a big boost to our confidence,” said Raina on the eve of the game.

Further, talking of is own performance, Raina said he is looking to get a good start before the start of the Ranji Trophy 2017/18,

“For me, getting a good start ahead of the domestic season is quite important and I am happy that I am in good nick with the willow. I hope my bat continues to do the talking here too. I’m here and you can see how fit I am. I am working hard on all aspects of my cricket life, including fitness,” he added.

At present, Raina is one of the players towards whom Indian selectors are looking at, but they are looking for some numbers in domestic cricket before they hand him a call-up. Along with that, the team management is expecting Raina to attain the desired fitness levels to be in the national squad.

On one side, where India Blue is bolstered with the presence of heavyweights in their squad, India Red have faced a scarce as few of the players have left the squad to join India A team, with Karn Sharma being the best player, who had scalped 15 wickets in two games. It has come as a big blow for India Red, but skipper Karthik is looking to bank on the bank on the young players,

“Many of our players have joined the India A side playing New Zealand A, but it makes no difference to us as we have good young players, who are capable of taking up the challenge. It’s a good opportunity for youngsters to show their class on a bigger platform. It’s a tournament of top 40 cricketers of India and I find everyone good enough.”

Meanwhile, Indian selectors have added Surya Kumar Yadav and Washington Sundar in India Red squad, but the team will badly miss services of players who had left for India A.

The final of the Duleep Trophy will be played from September 25 and will be a five-day affair.