RANJI TROPHY | Kerala makes a fresh start against a formidable Madhya Pradesh

Kerala faces Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy match at Sports Hub, missing key players due to viral fever.

Kerala will not have the comfort of playing in its fortress when it takes on Madhya Pradesh in the sixth round match of the Ranji Trophy at the Sports Hub here on Thursday.

Kerala’s spinners — mainly Jalaj Saxena — had bamboozled many visiting batters on the St. Xavier’s College track to script some big wins for the host in the Ranji Trophy in recent times. However, live coverage of the sixth round match has necessitated a change in venue.

The clay wicket at the Sports Hub looks a world apart from the red soil wicket at St. Xavier’s where the host had built a formidable record.  Madhya Pradesh is a much better side than its current sixth position, and Kerala is wary of its rival’s strength.

In Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen and Kulwant Khejroliya, Madhya Pradesh has a threatening pace attack and a good spin attack spearheaded by Kumar Karthikeya. Test discard Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer will be the mainstays of MP’s batting.

It is a must win match for the visitors to maintain an outside chance of qualifying for the knockouts. The Kerala camp has been hit by viral fever with both Jalaj and Vishnu Vinod, who was recalled to the squad for this match, sidelined. Vishnu is a doubtful starter, while Jalaj attended nets on Wednesday.

The Kerala selectors have drafted in off spinner Vyshak Chandran and opening batter Anand Krishnan as cover for the ailing players.

Skipper Sachin Baby, who has recovered from his groin injury, said his team cannot afford to lower its guard against Madhya Pradesh and will be looking for a win. “It is a fresh wicket, and it will be challenging for both teams. MP is a good team but beatable if we play to our potential,’’ he said.