Kishan Varsani out of inter club clash as ROW chase first victory
The India v ROW inter club fixture is the annual curtain raiser to every Edgware Cricket Club season and India have been dominant over the past two editions, completing 14-run and 24-run victories in 2022 and 2021 respectively. However, as the squads are announced for the 2023 fixture today, there is fresh optimism amongst the ROW squad who are attempting to secure their first ever victory.
SQUADS
The biggest surprise from the squads in 2023 is the omission of Kishan Varsani who is currently leading the Mexico City Tomb Raiders in the Mexican T20 League and should be unavailable for India ahead of the fixture. However, the Indians can call on Nakul Jilka who will play his first inter club fixture and Jaimin Patel who won the coveted 'Emerging Player of the Year' at the 2022 awards.
ROW have been able to name their strongest squad which will see Rohan Garara and Kashyap Varsani return to add much needed strength and depth.
"I'm looking forward to another closely contested fixture. There's a lot of talent on both sides and goes to show the depth we have at the club. It's always interesting playing on an astroturf wicket in April which gives us a different challenge to what we're used to on a regular grass wicket. A ROW win has been a long time coming and I'm fairly confident this is the year we'll see India's demise. Either way, it's going to set us up for another gruelling season and I hope the players' focus extend beyond April 1st for another important season in Edgware's history" spoke ROW captain Sajith Sriwickramasekaran ahead of the clash.
Shuraj Vekaria will continue as captain for the India XI this year and spoke to the press before the game, "ROW has developed some good talent over the past 12 months and we anticipate a greater challenge. They will be desperate to avoid a third consecutive loss, and the stakes are pretty substantial for them. A 3-0 deficit will no doubt be an embarrassing feat that will haunt them for many years to come. Our strategy remains unchanged, play the opposition, not the occasion. We feel confident in our ability both individually and collectively. We wish the opposing captain all the best with his preparations, he will definitely need them. We look forward to what will no doubt be game for the history books and another win for the fantastic India XI".
The Match
As in previous years, the rules for the game are as follows:
The match will last no more than 35 overs
A bowler can bowl no more than 6 overs. Once a bowler takes 3 wickets they must be removed from the attack at the end of their over. Every player in the team must bowl a minimum of 1 over, besides a designated wicketkeeper.
A batsman must retire not out once a 50 has been scored. However, the batsman may return following the fall of the 9th wicket.
An impartial umpire will be appointed.
