FIGHTING IN NEW FRONTIERS
Captain: Navaneeth CV
With great enthusiasm, HS18 might be flagging off their maiden Prem Ranjan journey this year. There are lots of questions to be answered, but HS18 stands tall upon the dedication and commitment shown by Priyavadhana, Thejaswini and Soorya. How big a team are they? How competent are they? These questions come only second to the dedication put forth by this trio to the spirit of the game! Under the guidance and mentorship of one of the most prolific all-rounders and cricketing brains in the history of gully cricket, Biyas Muhammad, the girls are ready for their maiden battle.
THE TEAM
For the first time in the history of Prem Ranjan Memorial Cricket tournament, the first year MA team will have newly joined scholars playing in it. This is expected to bring a flavor of experience to the team. Sandeep Kumar, Prantik Bagchi and Ramnath Reghunandan are the scholars playing for HS18. Navaneeth CV is expected to be the strike bowler of the squad. CV who bowls with a decent pace can also play aggressive shots. Along with all-rounders such as Ramnath, Jabir Ali and Priyavadhana, he can make a decent team. Sandeep Kumar can bowl decent medium pace as well. But Thejaswini’s sharp mix-up bowling along with Priya’s powerful bowling could turn-around any game in favour of HS18. Other players in the squad are Nitish Thakur, Vibhu, Navaneeth MS, Ishaan and Amina Mehboob. Anand Krishna G Unni who was expected to be part of the team is undergoing rest after a surgery in the knee. But it is yet to be seen how their batting order and bowling combinations will be like. This, so far is the biggest question mark for the team. It is imperative to make up a team which plays as a team.
Player to watch out for
Thejaswini has displayed some impressive bowling and fielding skills in the recent practice match and is expected to be the lynchpin in the team that HS18 is going to line up. She has an impressive record against Athul Muraleedharan, getting him 3 out of 4 times they have faced. Thejaswini is undoubtedly the X-factor in the team.
Final Thoughts
I wish HS18 this – “Let sky be the limit”. HS18 will be facing HS15 and HS17 in the group stages and if they can form a united team, irrespective of individual skills, they have a good chance to qualify for the semis. HS18 should play according to their strengths and respect their limitations to bring out the best in them.
Article by Libin John
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