Hyderabad seek outright win against Punjab at Gymkhana Ground

Hyderabad and Punjab will look to maintain their early-season momentum in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group B clash at Gymkhana Ground. Hyderabad will rely on Tanay Thyagarajan’s spin and an experienced batting line-up, while Punjab bank on Umesh Yadav

Hyderabad: Hyderabad, without the services of star India pacer Mohammed Siraj, and Punjab, without India captain Shubman Gill, will look to build on their early-season momentum when the two teams clash at Gymkhana Ground in a four-day Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match.

Interestingly, Hyderabad’s think-tank has decided to play this match at Gymkhana Ground as well, with the specific objective of securing an outright result.

With Chama Milind leading Hyderabad and Uday Sharan marshalling Punjab, the contest promises to be exciting on what is said to be a result-oriented pitch.

Hyderabad, with 13 points from two matches, will rely on experienced opener Tanmay Agarwal and his opening partner Abhirath Reddy, along with G Rahul Singh, who is due for a big knock, K Himateja, who scored a century in the previous match, and Rahul Radesh.

The batting line-up is capable of posting a big total, but its skills will be tested by a Punjab bowling attack led by India fast bowler Umesh Yadav, who has already taken a five-wicket haul this season.

Fortunately for the two-time champions, Hyderabad’s spin duo of leading wicket-taker Tanay Thyagarajan, who has claimed 20 wickets in the first two matches this season, and G Aniketh Reddy has been performing well.

If Hyderabad’s pace attack, led by left-armer Chama Milind and including CTL Rakshann Readdi and Mudassar Hussain, can provide early breakthroughs, the spinners could find it easier to take control.

Punjab, meanwhile, have nine points from two matches and will also be confident going into the contest.

The likes of IPL star Prabhsimran Singh, openers Vihaan Malhotra and Harnoor Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Gursimran Singh, Salil Arora and Emanjot Singh Chahal will be expected to deliver. Salil Arora and Emanjot Singh Chahal scored centuries against Assam in Punjab’s previous match.

In bowling, left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar and off-spinner Harjas Singh will have key roles to play, while fast bowler Umesh Yadav is expected to pose a serious challenge to Hyderabad’s batters.