Ranji Trophy 2017/18: VVS Laxman Joins Bengal Camp Ahead of Semifinal Against Delhi

VVS Laxman, a member of the Cricket Association of Bengal 2020 programme, joined the side ahead of their semifinal tie against Delhi.

The addition of Laxman has come out as a big boost for the side, as apart from him, the team already has likes of Mohammed Shami, Wriddhiman Saha, Ashok Dinda and Manoj Tiwary – all with international experience.

Sourav Ganguly, the former India captain, will also join the team on the first day of the game to further bolster the side,

“Laxman’s presence will definitely benefit the players and before a crucial match, the confidence will be high,” a CAB official said.

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The presence of stalwarts in the side was reflective on the eve of the game when Manoj Tiwary termed his team as the favourite going into the contest.

Delhi too is a strong team, but Gautam Gambhir and Rishab Pant are the only players with international experience. Players like Kulwant Khejroliya, Himmat Singh, Akash Sudan, and few others are still looking forward to sealing their place in the side, and if Bengal could gain a mental advantage right from the start, then they might go out with a win.

On the other hand, Delhi will look to emulate the success which they achieved against heavyweight Madhya Pradesh side, which had likes of Devendra Bumdla, Naman Ojha, Ishwar Pandey and Harpreet Singh Bhatia in their ranks.

It is no doubt that Bengal is going as the favourite in the contest, but Delhi will look to carry on their form in this game.

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The toss will hold much importance. In the contest where a final spot is at stake, the team winning the toss will have no hesitation in batting first, to bat as many overs as they can to push the other team out of the game.

Bengal opted for the same strategy in the quarterfinal where they possessed a massive lead of 825 against Gujarat at the end of the game, thus securing the semifinal spot by the first innings lead.

The semifinal contest will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Associaton stadium in Pune. In the second semifinal, Karnataka will face on Vidarbha at the Eden Gardens in Bengal.

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