JAIPUR: Rajasthan opened their 2021-22 Ranji Trophy campaign with a 158-run victory against Andhra in their Elite Group E fixture in Trivandrum on Sunday. An important win, says captain Ashok Menaria, emphasising on how no team can afford lax attitude, given it is a curtailed season this year.
"Starting with a win always boosts your confidence going ahead in any tournament. But yes, this year in the Ranji league stage, with only three games to play there is no scope to bounce back. So I am happy that we are off to a good start," said Menaria.
Rajasthan wrapped up the proceedings on the final day within two hours of the day's play as Andhra were bowled out for 209 in 53.3 overs after resuming at 100/4. Left-arm spinner Shubham Sharma (4-32) and Aniket Choudhary (3-50) were the standout bowlers.
Rajasthan's top-order looked fragile, but the captain backed openers Yash Kothari and Manender Singh, and also lauded Mahipal Lomror's effort in the second innings where he struck 79 off 140 balls.
"I don't think I need to speak to Yash and Manender. They are in good shape and one match cannot define them. It was a difficult pitch and neither our nor Andhra openers could do much. I would like to add that Mahipal's knock was a very crucial one and he did a brilliant job. He showed a lot of grit," said the 31-year-old.
Lomror walked out to bat in the sixth over after Kothari was trapped LBW.
Moreover, left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed is still recuperating and will not be available for the entire group stage. But going into the second match, scheduled on February 24 against Uttarakhand, Rajasthan will have the services of leg-spinner Rahul Chahar. Manav Suthar is likely to make way for him.
"I cannot say what the team combination will be in the next match. Pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti and batter Deepak Karwasra are out of the mandatory quarantine now and will be available for selection. We will take the call later, but Rahul is definitely in. The guy who plays at India level, has to be in the side if he is available," Menaria added.
Brief score: Rajasthan 275 and 316 beat Andhra 224 and 209 all out in 53.3 overs (P Tapaswi 44, Y Sandeep 43, R Bhui 39; S Sharma 4-32, A Choudhary 3-50) by 158 runs. Rajasthan: 6 points, Andhra : 0.
