India Red and India Green renew their rivalry, this time with bigger stakes on the line, in the Duleep Trophy final which commences at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Wednesday.
The two sides met in the last group stage match just a few days ago, where a thrilling 73-run last-wicket stand helped India Red gain a one-run first innings lead.
The solitary point earned by India Green helped the unit scrape through to the final, while India Red had already booked a spot in the summit clash.
Kishan returns
Dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan returns to the India Red team, having completed his three-match stint for India-A against the visiting South Africa-A.
India Green leg-spinner Rahul Chahar joins the India-A side for the final two one-dayers, and thus misses the action here in this five-day, red ball affair. Chahar has been replaced by Punjab leggie Mayank Markande.
Despite the changes, India Red skipper Priyank Panchal believes that the familiarity between the two sides makes for an exciting challenge.
“Yes, we took on India Green at Alur grounds only recently, but there are some differences — this is a different stadium, and this is a five-day game.
“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well. It will be a good contest,” Panchal said. “In the last match, we took three points through a crucial last-wicket partnership.
“The team spirit and energy was great in the previous match, so we will bring that same spirit to the final. The momentum is with us, but there are a few areas we need to improve upon. We will plan accordingly,” he added.
The heroes from the previous encounter — Akshath Reddy, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (both India Green), Akshay Wakhare, Mahipal Lomror, Karun Nair and Avesh Khan (all India Red) — will be keen to come good once again and grab the attention of the national selectors.
Garg expected to be fit
India Green batsman Priyam Garg, who was hit on the neck while fielding at silly point against India Red, is expected to be fit and ready to play.