Player Combination Very Important For Squad To Win Ranji: Odisha Cricket Coach

Bhubaneswar: Under the supervision of newly appointed coach Rashmi Ranjan Parida, the Odisha cricket team is all geared up to give the best in the upcoming Ranji Trophy tournament scheduled to begin on November 1.

Speaking to OTV on the preparation of the team for the Ranji season, Parida stated that the combination of players is very important for a squad to win a tournament.

“As far as preparation is concerned, the team for the upcoming Ranji matches is a mix of experienced as well as new comers which I feel is the most balanced combination. However, execution will depend on the players,” Parida said.

“The responsibility vested on me is really tough and challenging but at the same time I am enjoying it,” said Parida.

According to Parida, Rajesh Mohanty and Pappu Roy are among the new comers who have done great in their recent matches, and he feels these two men can become the finding of the season.

Praising Mohanty, Parida said “He had recently played the U-19 Asia Cup. His body language and approach towards the game is brilliant. He has the hunger for the game.”

“Roy, on the other hand, performed tremendously well in the Deodhar trophy. His performance has garnered him praises from India Test vice captain Ajinkya Rahane and the selectors too,” said Parida.

Further speaking about the experienced players in the team, Parida said, “Govind Poddar and Biplab Samantaray are the senior players who have been playing for the State since a long time and they know how to handle difficult situations.”

“Anurag Sarangi, Ranjit Singh, Sandeep Patnaik and Shantanu Mishra who had debuted last year, are also among the experienced players and the batting line-up will revolve among them. The new comers who came last year have been doing well. I hope the batting part with the youth and experienced players will work,” the coach said.

However, Parida mentioned that the behaviour of the wicket will decide the further course of team plan during the matches.

Odisha will play five matches at home and four outside, with the first match being against Haryana in Bhubaneswar on November 1.