Tags:
Journalism of Courage
One team is going through a proverbial dream run 8212; 19 points from six matches and a top-of-the-table finish. In stark contrast, their opponents, having barely managed to scrape through to the semis, are yet to see the euphoria settle after a scrappy finish in their last match.
As Baroda take on hosts Bengal in the Ranji Trophy semifinals starting tomorrow at the Eden Gardens, it will be a fight between method and passion, between the guile of Balwinder Singh Sandhu and the flair of Paras Mhambrey8217;s resurgent side.
But again, here8217;s a fast recovering Bengal which, aided by the home advantage factor, has suddenly rocketed in confidence after rookie Abhishek Jhunjhunwala8217;s miracle 139 to squeeze past last-season champions Railways in the last tie here. And that historic win did away with two things 8212; a niggling sense insecurity caused by the absence of stalwart Sourav Ganguly, and the haunting memories of the loss against Tamil Nadu on an Eden greentop.
No matter how much the Baroda think-tank plays down the Abhishek factor, the young batsman8217;s heroic effort has certainly turned the equation on its head to a huge extent. Bengal skipper Deep Dasgupta believes there8217;s more to watch out though from the hosts8217; contingent.
8220;If Baroda are playing as a solid unit, so are we. Not just Abhishek, every player has contributed with significant performances at some point this season,8221; the stumper said on the eve of the big match, the winner of which will take on the champion of the Mumbai-Uttar Pradesh tie.
