Saurashtra secured an emphatic win over Gujarat by 92 runs to set up a final clash with Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2019-20. Moments after their making their place in the final for the second time in a row, the Jaydev Undakat-led side a received a massive boost in Cheteshwar Pujara, who will be available for selection for the pinnacle clash. However, Ravindra Jadeja's participation is still in jeopardy.
The team from the west will be desperate to bring home the trophy after losing all the three finals in the last seven years including one against Vidarbha last year. This will be their fourth Ranji Trophy final eight years and the players will be motivated the break the deadlock at their home. Saurashtra received a massive boost with skipper Jaydev Unadkat confirming Cheteshwar Pujara's availability for the pinnacle clash.
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The India international has just returned from New Zealand whey they suffered a humiliating drubbing. Pujara also had a forgettable outing managing only one half-century in the four innings he has batted. Jaydev Unadkat was extremely happy to have Pujara back and also stated that he is in constant touch with the India No.3.
“Cheteshwar will be back for sure, Ravindra I am not sure,” Unadkat said after his side’s semifinal win. “We [Pujara and I] have been constantly in touch, he cares for the team as much as I do. Right now, he is in the flight back from New Zealand and I am sure he will be quite happy once he lands in Mumbai," he added.
Furthermore, Jaydev Unadkat feels the presence of Cheteshwar Pujara will have Bengal under pressure. Before hailing Pujara, the Saurashtra skipper is confident that his team will play a different brand of cricket in the final.
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“Having Cheteshwar back will play on their [Bengal’s] mind as well. Whenever he is around, our batting unit plays differently, they have this confidence that there is someone of his calibre in our team. Plus, he does take some sort of pressure off me when there are situations like this,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Bengal will also have the luxury to play Wriddhiman Saha, who had to warm the benches in New Zealand. Saha will be keen to redeem himself and showcase his talent with the bat. The Abhimanyu Easwaran-led team, who have played outstanding cricket throughout the season will be brimming with confidence to bring the second Ranji Trophy home after 1990.