Kathan might get a look

– PRANJAL PROTIM BORUAH

With regular opener Priyank Panchal gearing up for the Board President’s XI’s match against visiting South African team, Gujarat newlyappointed coach Sairaj Bahutule hinted that Kathan Patel might open the innings as Gujarat open their season with the Vijay Hazare tie against Bengal in Jaipur on Tuesday.

“I have my XIII ready for tomorrow’s match, but the final XI will be decided after we have a look at the match in the morning,” Sairaj told Mirror. “Yes, Kathan had played well in the practice matches and he is one specialized opener in our team. He might open the innings,” the former leg spinner added. Incidentally, Kathan was not named in the initial squad. He was included on the final day of their practice session in Ahmedabad after all-rounder Karan Patel injured his ankle.

While Sairaj admitted that he had very little time to prepare the team, but he acknowledged that his team is ready. “I think what bowled me over is the camaraderie they shared among themselves. It is not very often that you see that between all the players in the team. I think I am lucky to have this team.

“Yes, the G1 tournament was the first time that I had actually seen the team in a match. And then the practice matches with the under-23 boys. But that gave some time to prepare the team. I think we are ready for the challenges and we are well prepared,” summed up.

Gujarat had also included versatile top order Manan Hingrajiya and hard-hitting middle order batsman Ripal Patel in the squad.

While Manan, who mostly bat at the top order, has been a consistent performer at the local level and across the age categories, Ripal was the latest from the Nadiad to make the cut.