Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (PTI Photo)
Vaibhav ’s childhood coach, who watched East Zone’s semifinal in Bengaluru, is in Chennai for Sunday’s title clash against South Zone, hoping the 15-year-old can make the most of a venue where he has already left his mark. Vaibhav scored 104 for India A against Australia A in a Youth Test here on Oct 1, two years ago, and Ojha believes that familiarity could work in his favour as he bids to strengthen his red-ball credentials. Kolkata: On Teacher’s Day, the eve of the Duleep Trophy final, Manish Ojha has one particular wish — that his most famous ward, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, produces a record-breaking knock when East Zone take on South Zone in the title clash starting Sunday. However, Vaibhav will not be the only player from Bihar and Jharkhand under the spotlight. East’s campaign has been powered by a strong contingent from the two states, with captain Ishan Kishan , Vaibhav, Anukul Roy and Mukesh Kumar regulars in the side, while Virat Singh and Kumar Kushagra add further depth. They are complemented by Bengal’s Mohammed Shami and Abhimanyu Easwaran, giving East a blend of youth and proven red-ball experience.
East’s return to the final after 14 years carries historical significance. Their last Duleep Trophy triumph came in the 2012-13 season, when they defeated Central Zone in the final in Chennai.
East Zone are reaching the final after many years, so I think it is very important for the boys,” he said. “ Main to chahta hun wo 200 mar de, 300 mar de, sab record tod de (I wish him to score 200, 300 (in the game) and smash all the records,” Ojha says in jest and hopes Vaibhav turns his familiarity with the Chennai pitch into a big red-ball statement — and perhaps another record to remember. The stakes are higher with the national selection panel, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, expected to watch the final. For Ishan and Vaibhav, in particular, the match offers a chance to underline their red-ball worth in front of the selectors and strengthen their cases for India’s Test setup. A return to the city gives the current side an opportunity to recreate that piece of history. “It is always a premier tournament in India. If you are playing the final of such a tournament and representing a zonal team, there is nothing bigger than getting an opportunity to perform there. His wish for Sunday is simple.