Sanju Samson has come good for Kerala this season. Photo: KCAWhen noted coach Dav Whatmore was roped in by the Kerala Cricket Association to guide the state team, the goal in front of the Australian was to take it to the knockout phase of the Ranji Trophy. With one round of matches to go in the group stage, Kerala are on the verge of qualifying for the quarterfinals.
Kerala, captained by Sachin Baby, are in second spot in the seven-team Group B. The win over Saurashtra on Monday have propelled them to second spot, with 24 points from five matches. Holders Gujarat lead the table with 27 points while Saurashtra are in third place with 23.
Kerala play Haryana at Lahil in Rohtak in their final group match from Saturday. A win will seal them a place in the last eight of the country's premier domestic competition. Gujarat are up against Jharkhand in an away fixture while Saurashtra take on Rajasthan in another away game.
The key to Kerala's fine run this year has been the performances of star batsman Sanju Samson and the splendid efforts of their spinners.
Sanju has hit hundreds against Jammu and Kashmir and Saurashtra in their last couple of games. The youngster's brilliant 175 helped them declare their second innings late on the third evening and paved the way for a thumping win over Saurashtra.
The experienced Jalaj Saxena as well as rookie left-arm spinners Sijomon Joseph and K C Akshay have spun a web around the visiting batsmen. Both Sijo and Akshay have been simply sensational in their debut season.
Amid the euphoria it must not be forgotten that all four of Kerala's wins have come at home. They lost the sole away game to Gujarat. The key now is to tame Haryana on a Lahli wicket, which has traditionally helped the seamers. Kerala have a potent pace attack in Basil Thampi, Sandeep Warrier and MD Nidheesh. Whatmore and Baby need to keep the team members calm in the big game and play down the expectations.
Kerala have played aggressive cricket this season and fought hard to win, unlike in the past when the team adopted a safety-first approach. That should be the game plan against Haryana as well as a draw may not be enough for them.
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