Ranji Trophy 2022-23, Final: Preview, Key Players and Prediction
Bengal defeated MP in the semis [Twitter]
The high-octane final of the prestigious Ranji Trophy is all set to take place on Thursday, the 16th of February, at the revered Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where Bengal will take on Saurashtra.
The host team, Bengal, has earned the privilege of hosting the final game by virtue of their superior performance in the group stages of the tournament, having secured more points than their adversary. This match holds immense significance for Bengal, as they will have a chance to avenge their loss to Saurashtra in the 2019-20 final.
Bengal, who last lifted the Ranji Trophy in the 1989-90 season, has reached the final on four previous occasions but has failed to emerge victorious in any of them. Interestingly, the last time Bengal clinched the Ranji Trophy, they achieved the feat at the very venue that will play host to the upcoming final. A victory for Bengal would undoubtedly be poetic justice, and the team will be eager to make their mark on this historic occasion.
On the other hand, Saurashtra, who have been participating in the Ranji Trophy tournament since the 1950-51 season, only emerged as serious contenders in recent times. The team has made it to the final on three previous occasions, in the 2012-13, 2015-16, and 2018-19 seasons, before finally breaking their title drought and clinching the trophy in the 2019-20 season. Notably, Saurashtra's last triumph in the tournament was back in the 1943-44 season, when they competed under the name Western India.
The upcoming final promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for the coveted Ranji Trophy title. With a rich history and a storied past, the tournament has always been a hallmark of cricketing excellence in India. As the two teams prepare to face off, they will leave no stone unturned in their quest for glory.
Key Players
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (Bengal): 782 Runs at 78.20, Three 100s, Three 50s
- Arpit Vasavada (Saurashtra): 826 Runs at 75.09, Three 100s, Two 50s
- Akash Deep (Bengal): 37 Wickets at 19.59
- Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (Saurashtra): 41 Wickets at 29.88
Prediction
Both sides boast of several quality players. However, with Bengal playing at home, they start as favourites because of the familiarity with the conditions.
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