Cricket

Railways' Woes Continue as Tamil Nadu Dominates in Ranji TrophyAhmedabad, November 15, 2024: The Indian Railways team has endured a challenging start to their Ranji Trophy campaign, conceding a substantial lead to Tamil Nadu and losing half their side in their second innings.The hosts, who spent over 133 overs fielding as Tamil Nadu amassed 438 runs in their first innings, expressed their frustration through animated gestures and "clapping" in unison as several lbw and caught-behind appeals went against them.Tamil Nadu's S. Mohamed Ali played a pivotal role, scoring 91 runs and forging an 80-run partnership with S. Ajith Ram for the seventh wicket. However, Kunal Yadav's five-wicket haul put the brakes on Tamil Nadu's progress, removing Ajith Ram and S. Lakshay Jain in quick succession.Mohamed Ali, sensing an opportunity, decided to farm the strike and go for boundaries with No. 10 Gurjapneet Singh at the other end. This strategy proved successful as he was caught at long-on.Railways may have seen a glimmer of hope, but 16-year-old Pranav Ragavendra and Gurjapneet frustrated the bowlers with a 36-run stand. An extended first session was not enough for Railways to end their ordeal, as Tamil Nadu was only dismissed after lunch.To make matters worse, skipper Pratham Singh lost his stumps off the first ball of Railways' second innings as Gurjapneet continued his habit of striking early. The Railways top-order proceeded briskly after that, with Vivek Singh (63) and S.A. Ahuja (36) engaging in a 65-run stand. Mohammad Saif joined the opener for a 70-run association.However, three late-evening jolts saw Railways slipping from 135 for three to 150 for five. Unless Saif (52 batting) produces something extraordinary, Tamil Nadu is poised to secure a victory.

Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, will begin their title defense against Baroda at the newly constructed Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. Despite the absence of Musheer Khan and Tushar Deshpande, who played crucial roles in Mumbai's victory last season, the team remains a formidable opponent.Shreyas Iyer's addition and captain Ajinkya Rahane's recent form in the Irani Cup have bolstered Mumbai's batting lineup. However, the weather may play a significant role in the match, as a dry spell has suddenly turned into a wet one.Baroda, led by head coach Mukund Parmar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya, will have their work cut out for them. The team will need to carefully select their XI from an 18-member squad, considering the uncertain weather conditions.Mumbai will be without the services of Sarfaraz Khan, who has joined India's Test squad. Siddhesh Lad or Suryansh Shedge are likely to replace him, while Ayush Mhatre is expected to continue as an opener despite the addition of Angkrish Raghuvanshi to the squad.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Mumbai's batting depth and experience may give them an edge, but Baroda's home advantage and the unpredictable weather could level the playing field.