Kolkata: Fresh from an outright win over Tripura at home, Assam will look to carry the momentum into their third-round Ranji Trophy Group B clash against Saurashtra in Rajkot starting Monday.The seven-point haul from two matches has lifted Assam to third in the group, ahead of Saurashtra, who have collected six points from two draws secured through first-innings leads. Assam had opened their campaign with a draw and a point against Punjab before registering a nine-wicket victory over Tripura.Assam have made two changes to their squad for the encounter. Opener Pradyun Saikia replaces Rishav Das, while right-arm medium pacer Hridip Deka comes in for seamer Dipjyoti Saikia following an injury layoff.Rishav endured a disappointing start to the season, managing 0 and 22 against Punjab before scoring 37 and 10 against Tripura. Pradyun will now get an opportunity at the top of the order as Assam seek greater solidity from their batting unit.On a Rajkot surface that has traditionally offered assistance to tweakers, young off-spinner Mohit Thakur could hold the key for the visitors. Mohit was Assam’s standout performer against Tripura, claiming eight wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.The challenge, however, is expected to be far tougher against a seasoned Saurashtra side led by India pacer Jaydev Unadkat. Their line-up boasts an array of experienced performers, including Ravindra Jadeja, Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad, Harvik Desai, Chetan Sakariya and Parth Bhut.Bhut starred in Saurashtra’s previous outing against Karnataka with eight wickets in the match, while Jadeja produced an all-round show in the season opener against Chhattisgarh, scoring a century and picking up three wickets. Having sat out the Karnataka game, the India all-rounder is likely to return to the playing XI against Assam, which would further strengthen the hosts.Despite boasting one of the strongest squads in the competition, Saurashtra are still searching for their first outright win of the season. Assam, meanwhile, will hope their growing confidence and recent success can help them spring a surprise against one of domestic cricket’s traditional powerhouses.
