Post News Network
Cuttack, Oct 14: Hosts Orissa and Assam will lock-horns in a Group A Ranji encounter at the Barabati Stadium here Thursday. Orissa have a good past record against the visiting side, but going by the current form of both the teams, Assam, led effectively by Gokul Sharma, are doing much better. They have so far garnered 10 points from two matches and leading Group A. Orissa on the other hand are languishing at the seventh spot with only two points from as many matches.
Despite the home advantage, Orissa will face a tough challenge from the visitors. Arun Kartik and Gokul are in prime batting form for Assam. In the bowling department also, Syed Mohammed and Krishna Das have been picking up wickets on a regular basis and have 11 and eight wickets in their kitties respectively.
Orissa are struggling with their batting. Barring Govinda Poddar and Anurag Sarangi no other batsman has shown any promise. Basant Mohanty and Suryakanta Pradhan are the only bright spots in the bowling department with seven wickets each to their credit. The openers have failed to impress in both the matches and there is some probability of change in that slot. Out of favour Abhilash Mallick may get a look in place of Girija Rout. P Roshan Kumar may replace out of form Rajesh Dhuper.
Assam skipper Gokul excuded confidence about the team’s performance. “The pitch will favour the pace bowlers. We have grown in confidence after beating Rajasthan. We will give a tough challenge to Orissa,” he stated.
Orissa coach Debashis Mohanty emhasised on team’s batting improvement. “We need to play with responsibility. As we are playing on the home ground for the second time, we must take full advantage of it and ensure the maiden victory of the season,” he insisted.