LUCKNOW: A new Ranji Trophy season brings a fresh challenge for the Uttar Pradesh team as they take on Bengal in their opening Elite Group C match at the Ekana Stadium starting Friday. It will be a test of their character and ability over the next four days, which will determine their prospects in the long-drawn tournament, scheduled to conclude in Jan next.
UP will play three out of its seven matches in Lucknow, while Chandigarh, Kerala, Bihar, and Indore will host their away matches. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the knockouts. Bengal has always proved to be a tough opponent as in their 16 face-offs, UP has clinched three wins while Bengal has registered five victories. The remaining matches ended in a draw.
