Coming up after facing a fresh loss from the hands of Karnataka, the Delhi Ranji team will be looking to turn the tables in their fourth game of the tournament when they step in at P.C.A. stadium in Mohali against Odisha . Karnataka team crushed the star-loaded Delhi squad in the third round, registering a superb win over the state capital boys. An inexperienced Karnataka team led by an inexperienced captain proved to be quite heavier for experienced Gautam Gambhir side who failed to carry the team on his shoulders.
Despite that loss, the Delhi selectors have not made many changes to the squad and have just called up all-rounder Sumit Narwal to replace Parwinder Awana. Rest of the squad has been retained despite a poor show. The team also consist the Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, Unmukt Chand, Rishabh Pant and Sumit Narwal. This game will be the last chance for Gautam Gambhir to draw the attention of selectors before the selection of Indian squad for England Tests whereas Ishant will have to prove his fitness in this game.
He was seen struggling in the last game and only bowled morsel of overs which caused confusion over hs fitness. An official warning from match referee for wearing national jersey added to his woes.
Surely, both Gambhir and Ishant know that this is last chance for them to prove there a case before the selection of the squad. Though it can be said that Ishant’s place is fixed in the squad but he has to prove his fitness before the game. Gambhir is still the second option for selectors as if KL Rahul is fit for selection, then surely he will be chosen over Gambhir. Also if Karun Nair scores heavy runs in this round, then it will be unfair on him not to select him in the squad for the series.
If both Gambhir and Nair scores heavy runs in this round, then selectors will face a dilemma of selecting one of the above. This is the most crucial round of the Ranji Trophy as of now as we may also a third option cropping up in this round which may attract the selector’s attention. One also cannot write off Rishabh Pant who has scored a century and a triple century in three games played so far.
Delhi squad for the match against Odisha: