Ranji Trophy: Kerala eye fresh start as they open against Jharkhand

Twenty years ago, Keenan Stadium witnessed MS Dhoni open the innings in an ODI alongside Virender Sehwag. Since then, international cricket has not returned to Jamshedpur, making the steel-town bastion of Jharkhand cricket quiet. However, on Sunday, Keenan Stadium will again be in the spotlight as Kerala's Ranji Trophy season opener against Jharkhand is set to take place.

Kerala will be led by new captain Vishnu Vinod and new coach Swapnil Asnodkar. Prashant Padmanabhan, Kerala's mentor, is optimistic, stating, "A solid coach, and a captain who showed his leadership chops in the final Ranji game against Goa last season." The pitch at Keenan Stadium is expected to be dry, potentially offering assistance to turn on the third and fourth days, making experienced players Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate crucial for Kerala.

However, Vinod Kumar, KCA secretary, believes in giving the youngsters a chance to contribute, highlighting offspinner Vaisakh Chandran's exceptional performance in the pre-season warm-up game in Hyderabad, where he took 11 wickets. Vaisakh made a remarkable Ranji debut against Jharkhand in 2022-23, taking five wickets in the second innings at Ranchi, which helped Kerala win.

Despite personal setbacks due to family issues and a shoulder injury, Vaisakh seems to have regained his form. Biju George, who coached him for nearly eight years, believes Vaisakh will be a significant threat on red-soil wickets.