PANAJI
The hosts will pin their hopes on experienced core comprising Ranji Trophy veteran in his State record 20th season - Shadab Jakati, captain Sagun Kamat, former skipper Swapnil Asnodkar, all-rounder Saurabh Bandekar and Amit Yadav; to come up with significant performances in what coach Prakash Mayenkar, describes as a "strong group" in the 28-team national cricket championship.
"The opening match against Chhattisgarh is crucial for us. We want to make a good start at home. All players are in a positive frame of mind and will give 100 per cent. We have to beat Chhattisgarh, who will be lead by former India batsman Mohammad Kaif. They are also a good team, but we have done well against them in the past. Goa can draw confidence from their past performances against Chhattisgarh," says coach Mayenkar.
The Ranji Trophy structure has again undergone a change. Last season, the matches were all played outside the respective home venues. But this year, the pattern is reverted to home and away basis.
However, the pitch curator will be neutral as it was seen in the past that a home team would tailor the strip for their strengths.
The major change in the format, however, is that the number of matches a team plays in the league stage, will come down to six this season as one new group has been formed and seven teams each have been placed in each of the Group A to D.
"All the groups are now tough as the elite teams have been divided across all the groups. The likes of Punjab and Bengal, are formidable opponents in Group D.
However, we do not think on those lines as cricket is not played on reputation. Our players are positive and anything is possible if our experienced players fire, and youngsters cash in on the opportunities," explained Prakash.
Punjab squad comprises two international match-winners in Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh while Bengal boasts Wriddhiman Saha, Manoj Tiwary and Ashok Dinda. Goa will play three matches at home and three in away venues.
