Akash Deep (Getty Images)
Bengal’s last Ranji Trophy triumph came in 1989-90, when they defeated Delhi in the final. Bengal suffered a semifinal defeat to eventual champions Jammu & Kashmir despite securing a first-innings lead last season. This time, they will look to turn the page at the same venue, with history offering an added incentive.
Kalyani: Bengal return to their cricket academy ground in Kalyani, where their Ranji Trophy dream came crashing down in February, hoping to make a fresh start when they take on Delhi in their opening match of the new season on Sunday.
Dahiya had guided Delhi to their last title in 2007-08 and will hope to revive a side that has struggled to progress beyond the group stage in recent seasons.
I am here to see the team is moving in the right direction,” Dahiya told TOI. Delhi, meanwhile, have turned to Vijay Dahiya , reappointing the former India wicketkeeper as coach ahead of the campaign. “Nothing happens overnight.
After spending eight months on the sidelines with a lower-back stress injury, Akash Deep returned with a match haul of 6/68 to help Rest of India beat J&K in the Irani Cup.
What I can do is produce a better version of myself and I am fully focused on doing that,” he said. Bengal will look to make a strong start, especially as they will be without their star pacers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar , who have been picked for the ‘A’ side for the New Zealand tour from the next match. Akash Deep believes he has regained his rhythm and pace. “I am my own competitor. I am not worried about what the other bowlers are doing. You can never play cricket thinking about who will replace you.