With the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting on Wednesday, December 8, a promising performance is expected from Goa under the new captain Snehal Kauthankar.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 cricket tournament, wicketkeeper-batter Eknath Narvekar captained Goa. But, after the tournament, Eknath felt overwhelmed in the triple role of captain, wicketkeeper, and batter. Hence, the association considered a change of captaincy.
Snehal Kauthankar was appointed captain. The 26-year-old has previously led Goa in the absence of a regular captain, but this is his first match as a full-time captain. Snehal has previously led Goa in the age group.
Hope for improvement
Goa had won just one of the five one-day games last season. But this year, the Goan team has immensely improved as they won two of the five matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Their biggest victory came against the mighty Tamil Nadu by seven wickets. Under Coach Pillai the team plays a new brand of cricket which promises immense growth and better results.
The Goan team will face Assam in their opening game at the JSCA Oval Ground in Ranchi.
Goa's second match will be against Rajasthan on the 9th. Then the Goans face the Army on the 11th, Railways on the 12th, and Punjab on 14th.
Goa squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy:
Snehal Kauthankar (Captain); Amulya Pandrekar; Darshan Misal; Amit Yadav; Deepraj Gaonkar; Eknath Kerkar; Felix Alemao; Shrikant Wagh; Lakshay Garg; Maliksab Sirur; Samar Dubhashi; Aditya Kaushik; Vishambhar Kahlon; Vijesh Prabhudesai; Subham Ranjane; Suyash Prabhudesai; Manthan Khutkar; Kashyap Bhakle; Nihal Surlaker and Mohit Redkar.