Tripura's Under-19 cricket camp is riding high after securing two consecutive victories with bonus points, and the excitement is palpable. Such back-to-back wins naturally boosted morale ahead of the next match. However, amid the celebrations, concerns remain about the team's batting lineup.
In their previous match against Sikkim, the State boys found themselves in a precarious position when their batsmen faltered, losing wickets cheaply and displaying serious lack of skill and patience. Thankfully, all-rounders Arkajit Roy and Rohan Biswas rose to the occasion, stabilizing the innings and preventing what could have been a devastating defeat.
At the start of the season, questions loomed over team selection, as the decision to exclude several talented batsmen raised eyebrows. Doubts about the selected players' performance became evident in the first three matches. With only two matches left in the season, Tripura’s chances of advancing to the Plate Group from the Elite Group appear slim, especially after their opening loss to Puducherry.
The remaining matches, both at home, are against Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. While Arunachal Pradesh is considered a weaker side, Manipur poses a much tougher challenge.
Fans and analysts alike are calling for changes to the batting lineup to strengthen the team for the final matches. One name frequently mentioned is Dipankar Bhatnagar, a seasoned player who had been part of the Tripura squad for the past two years and even served as captain. Many believe his inclusion could significantly bolster the batting order.
“The onus now lies on the selectors to prioritize the state’s cricketing interests over club loyalties and pick up the best possible squad for these crucial encounters. Failure to deliver positive results in the last two matches could leave the selectors facing criticism”, said former cricketers and added, the next few games will not only test the players on the field but also the decision-making of those behind the scenes.
(Tripura, Northeast)