Ranji takes guard

Seldom has a Ranji Trophy match caused so much flutter here as the arrival of the Delhi team has. When Gujarat take on Delhi in their season...

Seldom has a Ranji Trophy match caused so much flutter here as the arrival of the Delhi team has. When Gujarat take on Delhi in their season opener Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match here tomorrow, at stake is not just the race for the coveted trophy.

The side from the capital boasts of two national team openers: Aakash Chopra and Gautam Gambhir. And with the slot in team still up for grabs, it will be interesting to see who makes it to the national team for the series against South Africa. Also in action will be Ashish Nehra.

For most part of the day there was buzz that Virender Sehwag will make it to the match. But in the evening it was confirmed that he will not be playing. Delhi, almost to their full strength, are clear favourites in this match.

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Railways rest Kartik
NEW DELHI: At the newly-laid Karnail Singh Stadium here, 2001-02 champions Railways take on reigning champions Mumbai as they seek to extend their monopoly on the premier domestic championship. Railways, on the other hand, have their task cut out. With Murali Kartik being rested and the champions strenghtened by presence of another Test star Ajit Agarkar it will be tough task ahead for the hosts.

It’s Chennai weather again
CHENNAI: Inclement weather could plays poilsport with the opening Ranji Trophy elite Group ‘B’ fixture between Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad commencing here tomorrow. With the city being lashed by rains for the last four days, a prompt start to the match looks unlikely. Former champions Tamil Nadu, who lost to Mumbai in the title clash last year for the second time in a row, would be led by Hemang Badani, who has replaced S Suresh as captain.

Faced with the bleak prospects of a full match, Venkatapathy Raju, who will be playing his 100th Ranji match, said his team would at least want to gain the first innings lead. Badani, who expressed hope of winning the Trophy this time, said he was looking to forward to his new role as the captain.

MP take on Andhra
INDORE: Former champions Madhya Pradesh will begin the season in elite group ‘A’ with a match against AP here from tomorrow. “We are confident and would try to begin the new season with a win,” MP captain Amay Khurasia said.
OTHER GAMES: Bengal v Karnataka at Kolkata; Punjab v UP at Mohali; Assam vs Baroda at Guwahati.