Squads announcement - India v ROW
India have announced a strong squad for this season's InterClub fixture against the Rest of the World XI as the two sides clash horns on Saturday 13 April for the first time since 2022.
Squad News
India XI
Nakul Jilka is set to play his first ever InterClub fixture after overcoming a pre-season injury scare with Shuraj Vekaria set to act as vice-captain. Vekaria, is the most successful run scorer in InterClub fixtures having played a key role in both of India's victories in 2021 and 2022.
Alpesh Gorsia also joins an Edgware CC squad for the first time since September 2022 after a year out with a knee injury and Deep Shah makes a shock return to Edgware colours after announcing his retirement towards the end of 2023.
It is believed Sagar Raghvani is set to miss out on a place in the Indian First XI due to unconfirmed reasons.
ROW XI
Vidanda Galgamuwa make his ROW captaincy debut and Dean Veerapen is expected to act as vice captain for the game.
Kabee Tharmaratnam makes his first appearance for Edgware since August 2022 when he struck a club record 50 runs off just 21 balls. ROW will be hoping for more of the same in two weekends time.
Shrikant Kerai and Naresh Sriwickramasekaran complete the ROW XI stand-by list as Naresh recovers from a back injury and Shrikant Kerai confirmed his availability late.
Form Guide
India XI - AWWA (latest game first)
ROW XI - ALLA (latest game first)
India XI go into the game as hot favourites both on the quality of their squad but also their historical form. The first ever InterClub fixture was abandoned due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the ROW XI secured a famous virtual victory as the game was simulated on Cricket 19. India XI then won tight games in 2021 and 2022 before 2023 saw a washout following a period of particularly heavy rain. ROW XI will be hoping they are third time lucky as they seek their first ever win.
InterClub Statistics
Leading Run-Scorers | Leading Wicket-Takers |
Shuraj Vekaria - 109 runs (India XI) | Alpesh Gorsia - 5 wkts (India XI) |
Kashyap Varsani - 96 runs (ROW XI) | Rahul Kothari - 4 wkts (India XI) |
Rahul Kothari - 61 runs (India XI) | Naresh Sriwickramasekaran - 3 wkts (ROW XI) |
Ciaran Hosty - 58 runs (ROW XI) | Sunny Halai - 3 wkts (India XI) |
Sagar Raghvani - 50 runs (India XI) | Sajith Sriwickramasekaran - 2 wkts (ROW XI) |
The statistics show where India have gained the upper hand in recent times, the bowling department. Strong performances from Alpesh Gorsia, Rahul Kothari and Sunny Halai (in 2021) led India to famous victories and the ROW XI will need similar performances from their bowlers in 2023 to compete.
The Ground
The average score at Paddington Recreation Ground is 214 over the past two encounters, owing largely to the astroturf wicket and generous boundary sizes laid out by the Edgware CC administrators. The game in 2022 saw 476 runs scored by both teams as ROW XI lost by just 14 runs.
There is set to be a period of wet weather leading up to the game which may mean the outfield is a little longer and slower than usual. This may mean the average scores reduces marginally and it'll be interesting to see how spin plays a part, with India XI boasting three front line spinners in their line up.
Match Details
The game will take place on Saturday 13 April (11:30am KO) at Paddington Recreation Ground. Whilst the fixture will not be live-streamed this season, highlights should be available on YouTube post the game.
Comments