Delhi’s Ranji Trophy campaign has hit a roadblock after a disappointing draw against Tamil Nadu in the second round. Despite Yash Dhull’s unbeaten century in the first innings and Sanat Sangwan’s valiant 83 in the second, Delhi’s batters struggled to make a mark.
The home side will need to raise their game significantly when they face Assam at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from Saturday. Assam, too, has managed only one point from its first two rounds against Jharkhand and Chandigarh, making this a crucial opportunity for Delhi to secure full points and improve its standing in Group D.
Delhi currently has four points, having taken the first-innings lead in the draw against Chhattisgarh before narrowly avoiding defeat against Tamil Nadu. Navdeep Saini is unavailable for this fixture due to his inclusion in the India-A squad for the upcoming tour of Australia.
In Saini’s absence, Delhi will welcome the return of pacer Harshit Rana, who was traveling as a reserve with the Indian team in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand before being released for this Ranji game. Rana has yet to play for Delhi this season.
For Assam, Riyan Parag remains unavailable. The hard-hitting middle-order batter is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, with his next assignment likely to be India’s four-match T20I series against South Africa starting on November 8.
“We are not looking at it as a setback,” said Assam captain Denish Das of Parag’s absence. “It is a chance for someone else to grab his opportunity. Yes, there will obviously be a gap because he is Assam’s best player, but there is an opportunity for a different player.”
