India Red looks all set to book their place in the final of the Duleep Trophy 2017

After a 170-run victory in the first game, the India Red team is all set and geared up to secure their place in the final of the Duleep Trophy 2017. The second game of the domestic tournament would be played between India Red and India Blue teams at the Green Park stadium, later in the day. Both the sides are quite excited and charged up for the important game. India Red will look to book their place in the final with a victory over the India Blue team, after a great performance in the opening game of the tournament.

On the other hand, the Blue side already has a number of things to seek out, before their first game in the Duleep Trophy 2017. India Blue skipper Suresh Raina admitted that the boys had not got enough time to regroup with each other. While India Red stand-in skipper Dinesh Karthik stated that winning is the only motive of his side. Also, both the captains were a little concerned towards the injuries to their important players.

“Winning is the sole purpose of our side. Right now, we aren’t thinking about the final match and our focus is on just winning the tie. Certainly, we would be missing many of our key players, if we make it to the final, but for that we will decided new strategy with new faces. We have alternatives to fill the spots, but a decision on them would be taken before the start of the match tomorrow,” said Karthik in a conversation with HT on the eve of the four-day game.

I practised with Sachin Tendulkar

It is a very important game for the India Blue side as well as for their skipper Raina, who has been working very hard on his game and fitness to regain his place in the national team. The Green Park Stadium being his home ground, the left-hander has all the knowledge about the pitch and conditions at the ground. He also shared his experience of practising with the master Sachin Tendulkar and getting some useful batting tips from the God of Cricket.

“We have the knowledge of the pitch here and it’s an advantage for us. Seamer Ankit Rajput is a local boy and that’s a big plus for the side. Yes, I had gone to Mumbai and practiced before Sachin Tendulkar. I was there to take his blessings and I am happy that God of cricket blessed me,” said Raina.