Kerala plays Goa in the fourth round of the Ranji Trophy cricket competition on Tuesday at the KCA-St. Xavier’s College venue, it will be a fresh start for the state’s cricket team. Goa has a reputation for being a tough opponent. Due to the fact that Sanju Samson is unable to play, vice-captain Sijomon Joseph has been elevated to the position of captain and will lead the team against Goa. Additionally, opener Rohan Kunnummal has been given the extra task of serving as vice-captain. Samson’s presence on the field as a batter and as the team’s captain will be much missed, but Kerala coach Tinu Yohannan wants the youngsters to step up to the challenge of performing well under more responsibility.
The coach has shown support for the younger players and is of the opinion that it is important to create an environment in which the players may flourish.
We will play to our advantage in this matchup. We will not take Goa lightly because this level has no easy opponents. But throughout the course of the next four days, we need to play consistent cricket at a high level. Yohannan added that while we will miss Sanju, it is up to the lads to make the most of this chance and play well.
Goa has not yet recorded a victory in this competition; thus, Kerala, who is now in first place in the group with 13 points, will be eager to maintain its winning streak against Goa. This season, Kerala’s top-order hitters have shown high consistency. This season has been particularly fruitful for Sachin Baby, while the seasoned Rohan Prem has made important contributions with the bat at number three. Both openers, Kunnummal and P. Rahul were in excellent form throughout the game against Chhattisgarh. This match will also need a significant contribution from the spin bowling unit consisting of Jalaj Saxena, Vaisakh Chandran, and Joseph.
The captain of the Goa team, Darshan Mishal
The captain of the Goa team, Darshan Mishal, is convinced that his squad has the firepower to compete against the host. The wicket is going to yield results and is going to be helpful for a spin. I believe our off-spinners will perform well and get the job done for our team. Suyash Prabhudessai and Siddhesh Lad, two of our batters, are in excellent shape. For my part, I am pleased with the way I have performed at the plate this year. We have players available for every situation. We know Sanju will not be present, and we anticipate that our opponents will attempt to take advantage of the vulnerabilities in the Kerala middle order. “Jalaj Saxena has been phenomenal for Kerala so far this season, and if we are able to eliminate the danger that he poses, then we will be in a position to take control of this match,” Mishal added.