Skipper Bhui eager to carrying on Duleep form

Andhra hit nets at VCA Civil Lines for gruelling Ranji season ahead

By Paritosh Pramanik

Oct 10, 2024

WITH two Duleep Trophy centuries under his belt, Andhra captain Ricky Bhui is aiming to carry on his form this Ranji season with their opening game against Vidarbha at Vidarbha Cricket Association’s Civil Lines ground.

The opening four-day match begins from Friday and Andhra team wasted no time in fine-tuning their skills as they stepped out on the lush green VCA Civil Lines ground on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon. 

Bhui was the top scorer in last Ranji Trophy season with 902 runs for Andhra Pradesh with four centuries and three half-centuries to his name. He continued his commanding form in Duleep Trophy last month with two centuries for India D (119 * against India B and 113 against India A). 

The captain said he will love to carry on in the same vein.

“We have prepared well for this season like we do every time. We, as a team, believe in process and will stick to our plan this season as well. Yes, I would love to carry on with my form and am confident after my knocks in Duleep Trophy,” Bhui told ‘The Hitavada’ after the nets session on Wednesday afternoon.

On the opening match against former two-time champions and last season’s runners-up Vidarbha, Bhui said that they are prepared to take the home side. “No doubt, Vidarbha is a quality side but we too had made it to the quarters last season. So it will be a good contest between bat and ball,” said the Andhra captain.

Bhui said they did not change much from the last season and said it all depends how mentally tough you are to the given situation.

“Skill wise we are at par with the best teams. We are working on the mental aspect. If we play with confidence I am sure we too can go the distance,” he confidently said.

The Andhra team got a boost with top batters like Hanuma Vihari and Srikar Bharat in the squad. “We have a strong side with Vihari and Bharat in the squad which makes our batting line-up tough, so it would be a good contest.” Bhui explained.

Bhui said that the pitch looks good but it still has some grass and would be in better position to comment on the eve of the match.

“Its a good pitch. Even though it is under cover. There is some grass which would be shaved off tomorrow. We will get a better idea of the strip tomorrow only. But going by previous matches at this ground, it seems that it is a true wicket with something for bowlers as well as for batters,” the captain signed off.