Riding high on a clinical nine-wicket demolition of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan head into their second Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash against Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar high on confidence. Mahipal Lomror-led side scripted a statement win in Nathdwara a week ago, thanks to left-arm spinner Manav Suthar’s match-winning 8-42 on the fourth day and Deepak Hooda’s 130 in the first dig added heft to their all-round prowess.Now, the action shifts to Srinagar, where cooler climes and seaming bounce could test Rajasthan’s batting depth.J&K, however, are licking their wounds after a 35-run loss to Mumbai in their season opener.Rajasthan head coach Anshu Jain shared that the conditions are in favour of the fast bowlers. “J&K’s strength is also fast bowling. It’s quite cool out here in Srinagar and the wickets will assist pacers. After looking at the wicket on Saturday, we will take the final call on the playing XI,” the coach told TOI.Backing vice-captain Manav to be effective once again, Anshu Jain stated, “No matter how the wicket behaves, Manav has the skill to effect dismissals and he is a very useful hand as a batter.”Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed is not available for the match. “He is part of India A squad and has already left for Bengaluru. Manav will join him there after the Ranji fixture against J&K,” the coach added.Khaleel and Manav have been included in the India A squad scheduled to play South Africa A in two four-day fixtures starting Oct 30.
