SPO-RANJI-UTTARAKHAND

Reigning champions Vidarbha, who

topped the combined Group A and B standings, will fancy their

chances when they take on Uttarakhand in the quarter-final of

the Ranji Trophy beginning here Tuesday.

Uttarakhand became the only team from the plate group

to make it to the last-eight of the coveted domestic

tournament.

However, with an experienced batting line up led by

veteran Wasim Jaffer and skipper Faiz Fazal, the hosts go into

the match, to be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association's

Stadium in Jamtha on the city's outskirts, as favourites.

Age has not slowed down Jaffer as the 40-year-old

batsman continues to be in rich form, having already slammed

three centuries this season.

Vidarbha coach and former India stumper Chandrakant

Pandit would be hoping that Jaffer would live up to his

billing and play a vital role.

The role of skipper Fazal, who opens the innings, is

equally paramount.

But if Vidarbha has had a successful run last year and

have topped the two combined groups this year, then its not

because of brilliance of one or two individuals. The fact is

several players have chipped in to bail the team out of

trouble or consolidate its position.

Be it Atharva Taide, Mohit Kale or Ganesh Satish, all

have played their roles to perfection and the team management

would want them to continue from where they have left.

On the bowling front, along with pacers, off-spinner

Akshay Wakhare and slow left-arm tweaker Aditya Sarwate have

also shone on the field.

Provided a dry track, Wakhare-Sarvate duo can run

through any opposition and Uttarakhand's would be no

exception.

On the other hand, Uttarakhand, who made their Ranji

Trophy debut this season, have a tough ask at hand, especially

playing on Vidarbha's home-turf.

Right-arm medium pacer Deepak Dhapola will be the one

to watch out for the hill state, which came into existence in

2000.

Dhapola has been consistently taking wickets for

Uttarakhand and his role will be crucial if the famed Vidarbha

batting line up has to be restricted.

On the batting front, the visitors have Rajat Bhatia,

who has slammed a double hundred and a hundred this season, in

their rank.

Besides them, the others would also have to step up

and deliver to tame Vidarbha in their backyard.