JOIN USSaurashtra were the centre of attention in the ongoing Ranji Trophy courtesy their historic run-chase in the quarterfinal against Uttar Pradesh last week. Following their superb feat, the team was completely relaxed ahead of the semifinal against Karnataka, said skipper Jaydev Unadkat.
"We are enjoying as a unit. In the last game, even when we we didn't do well we were still together, laughing and having fun on the field. That's when teams win big games. It's about
showing our intent at the right moment. We have changed as a unit over the years. Earlier, we were a bit desperate to win the title. We were eager to show that even we can win the championship. It did backfire but I feel it's normal for a team who haven't won any major championship play that way. But we are a different team now. Many players have established themselves and we are a settled unit now," Unadkat told reporters here on the eve of the last four clash.
Saurashtra's famous win has done a world of good to their confidence, said Unadkat. "Most of the teams would have fallen down and said it's over when UP were 108/1 in their second innings. The way we came back and fought in the fourth innings, it proved we are a team that can beat any other team in India. It is one of the best games in the history of Saurashtra cricket," he offered.
No other batsman has generated so much buzz ahead of the semifinal as much as Cheteshwar Pujara. Saurashtra coach Sitanshu Kotak spoke on the value of Pujara in his side. "If a team
like Australia is worried when Pujara is at the crease, any Indian team would also feel the same. He knows how to build partnerships. Once he settles down, he is capable of getting big scores like 150 or 200. That doesn't mean we put a big burden on him. He may even get out first ball. But we have other players who have contributed throughout the season and we are confident of doing well in the game," Kotak explained.
DH News Service