In the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals between Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala, bowlers hold key roles
Jammu and Kashmir, brimming with confidence after standout performances on red-soil pitches, are gearing up to face Kerala in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 quarterfinal. With morale high after victories over Mumbai and Baroda on similar surfaces, J&K aim to leverage their familiarity with these conditions when they take the field at the MCA Stadium.
On Friday morning, as both teams reached the venue, Kerala’s head coach Amay Khurasiya and skipper Sachin Baby were among the first to examine the pitch. Shortly after, J&K captain Paras Dogra also stepped in for an assessment. The sight of a green tinge on the surface hinted at early assistance for the bowlers, making the toss a significant factor in determining the course of the match.
While Kerala must quickly adapt to the conditions, J&K arrive with strong momentum. Having played extensively on red-soil tracks, the side is optimistic about utilizing its experience. Batter Shubham Khajuria expressed confidence in their chances, stating that the pitch aligns with their playing style and that their past experience on similar surfaces should serve them well.
Leading J&K’s bowling unit will be pacers Umar Nazir Mir and Auqib Nabi, with off-spinner Sahil Lotra expected to be a game-changer. Lotra’s stellar performance against Baroda, where he claimed 11 wickets, played a crucial role in securing their quarterfinal berth. His ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions could prove decisive.
However, J&K’s middle order remains a point of concern. While Khajuria has been in impressive form, consistency in the middle overs has been lacking. Kanhaiya Wadhawan’s fighting half-century in the last match provided some hope, but others in the lineup need to rise to the occasion.
For Kerala, Rohan Kunnummal will be looking to capitalize on his starts, while the batting responsibilities will heavily rest on Sachin Baby, Shoun Roger, and Salman Nizar, who recently made a commanding 150 against Bihar. Given the nature of the pitch, fast bowlers MD Nidheesh and Basil NP will be key figures with the new ball, while all-rounder Jalaj Saxena is expected to make an impact with both bat and ball.
With both teams well aware of the challenges ahead, this quarterfinal clash promises to be a thrilling battle, where the bowlers could play a defining role in deciding the outcome.
