With defending champion India Red having sealed a place in the final, it’s time now for the India Blue and India Green stars to grab the other berth.
Both sides look good, but the smarter of the two will emerge soon when they face off in a the Duleep Trophy here on Wednesday.
Missed chance
Blue skipper Faiz Fazal knows pretty well that his boys could have pulled if off against Red last week, but, this time around, he does not want any let-ups.
“We began the chase well, but, it was a little difficult because the wicket was not that great for batting. It was turning a bit, but no complaints,” he said.
“We are looking forward to playing in the final. A final showdown means an extra chance for all of us to perform,” he added.
He said the wicket here was a bit dry. “I did not find the ball moving and even if it did, it was only for a few overs and nothing later on.”
Green skipper Parthiv Patel, on the other hand, wants his boys to go out there and enjoy and, along with it, dish out some good performances.
“There’s nothing special for tomorrow’s game. We are going to play with the same pink ball, obviously, we cannot pull out a white ball, but we will certainly have some fun.
“The equation is simple — you get a lead or win outright and that’s clear on our mind,” he said.
The team will certainly miss the services of all-rounder Jalaj Saxena and fast bowler Ankit Rajpoot.
“I know that but it’s a nice opportunity for them to play at a higher level (India-A) and also for other young guys to go out and prove themselves,” said Parthiv.
The duo’s absence may well tilt the scales slightly in Blue’s favour.
“I don’t feel that way. I always believe that good bowlers like them must be around, and if you perform against them then you get some credit,” said Fazal.
“But I must say, they still have some good options. Their youngsters are really good and performing well and that’s why they are here playing the Duleep Trophy,” he added.
