Domestic league action shifts to one-day format from Wednesday. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, all the five West Zone teams - hosts Gujarat, Baroda, Saurashtra, Mumbai and Maharashtra — have already switched gears by changing their team combinations.
Two matches will be played on Thursday at the Motera grounds. Gujarat will take on Maharashtra and Baroda will lock horns with Mumbai.
Baroda, led by new captain Pinal Shah, will bank on their bowling attack which includes the likes of Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan.
Considering the size of the Motera C ground, the contest between hard-hitting Yusuf Pathan and the Mumbai attack comprising Ajit Agarkar, Dhaval Kulkarni, Iqbal Abdulla and Usman Malvi should be gripping.
Two swashbuckling hundreds in Duleep Trophy final have certainly made Yusuf a hot property. “I never take any match lightly...even it is a local Baroda match. Whenever I take my stance, my aim is to play in such a way that youngsters would love to follow me. Even Irfan plays with the same attitude,” said Yusuf.
All-rounder Abhishek Nayar holds the key for the Mumbai. The southpaw, who was instrumental in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph, understands the importance of continuing his good form.
Nayar was part of India’s team last year but was overlooked after failures. Captained by Wasim Jaffer, Mumbai will look up to Agarkar’s experience too. The batting onus will lie on Ajinkya Rahane and Jaffer.
Guj face underdogs Maha
Gujarat has a lot to prove when they face Maharashtra on the Motera B ground. Gujarat captain Parthiv Patel would like to deliver yet another statement at the selectors. The hosts have decided to give youngsters a chance.
Therefore openers Rajdeep Darbar and Priyank Panchal, pacer Harshal Patel and spinner Bhargav Merai have found places in the 15-man squad.
A youthful Maharashtra side, meanwhile, captained by Harshad Khadiwale, are the underdogs of the tournament. Their eldest player is is seamer Anupam Sanklecha, who is 27.
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