Manipur Ranji Trophy team playing elite level cricket, says Coach Siddharth Trivedi

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 31 : Reflecting on Manipur senior men’s cricket team’s performance in the Ranji Trophy so far, coach Siddharth Trivedi has heaped praises on the team saying they are playing elite level cricket.
In a telephonic conversation with The Sangai Express, Siddharth Trivedi said the performance of the team have been very satisfying and it reflects the hard work that they have put in before the commencement of the tournament.
“We got around 20 days of camp in Anand, and all the guys put in a lot of effort, and the result shows itself in the first two games,” said Siddharth, who was part of the 2000 Under-19 Cricket World Cup team.
He rated Manipur's performance against hosts Sikkim in the opening tie "10 out of 10".
Notably the tie ended in a draw with Manipur enjoying a first innings lead.
“Going into somebody else’s den and producing a dominating performance despite conditions favouring the home team shows the mindset that players developed during the camp, especially Priyojit, Jotin--the way they made that 186-run partnership under pressure,” he said.
“That wasn't an easy feat. It is something you see in a top elite Ranji Trophy team. As the head coach, I feel they are playing elite level cricket,” Siddharth said.
"Against all odds, Sikkim came out all guns blazing. But, we not only did well in batting, but our fielding was very impressive. Manipur are now a very good fielding side. We have taken some excellent catches, and we have taken some direct hit run-outs. The bowling has also been very consistent,” he said.
Noting the contributions every player has made for the team’s win, he talked highly of some of the players who have "really shown their mettle" this season.
“Cricket is a team game. Everyone makes contributions big or small. But in almost all games, some individual performances do shine above all and make the difference," Siddharth said.
Priyojit has shown his experience batting in the middle order with two back-to-back hundreds, he said.
"He hit a hundred in the first match against Sikkim and improved himself to score an unbeaten 187 against Bihar in the next tie. He has shown improvement and maturity,” Siddharth said.
The coach then noted the performance of first timer Ullenyai.
Even though this is his first Ranji season, Ullenyai has become a dependable player, the coach said.
"Ullenyai is playing some positive cricket. Although he couldn't convert his 30s and 40s into big scores, he has given the team a very good start," Siddharth said.
He also lauded Pheiroijam Jotin who is doing great with both the bat and ball, and  team captain Konthoujam Bishworjit who starred with a four wicket haul in the opening tie against Sikkim.
“He has been consistent. He is leading our bowling attack,” says Siddharth of Bishworjit  while adding that all the players have been playing their roles very well.
On being asked about his thoughts when K Priyojit, Manipur’s leading scorer in First Class Cricket, was close to hitting his double century in the second tie against Bihar, he expressed regret that rain played spoilsports.
“My thought was that the rain should stop at least for a couple of hours so that the hard work put in could be rewarded with a 200. It was unfortunate that no cricket was played for two and a half days, and he just got not out on 187,” Siddharth said.
On his back to back centuries, Kangabam Priyojit said he was happy to achieve the rare feat but could not be complacent   with it as he looks forward to give his best in every game and contribute in Manipur’s victory.
On his thought about missing a double century in the rain hit match against Bihar, he said he didn't want the missed opportunity to weigh him down as it was all destined and he could do nothing.
On the missed double century for Priyojit, captain Bishworjit said that the plan was to declare the first innings as soon as Priyojit completed the historic milestone, and try to bundle out Bihar with their impressive bowling and fielding performances. But the hope was dashed as rain poured cold shoulder, he said.
On the ensuing third tie against Arunachal Pradesh commencing tomorrow, Siddharth who was the former right-arm fast medium pacer who, represented Gujarat and Saurashtra in domestic tournaments, said that the team have a good plan set to secure a win.
“I think we have a very good team plan set for bowling, batting and fielding. We have developed a game plan, which our players are not only comfortable with, but they are able to execute.
“The plan is that we need to win, because against Bihar, we were in a very good position. So, if the match had really continued, who knows, we might have taken the first inning lead against Bihar,” he said.
We will definitely try to win the next game against Arunachal Pradesh, he added.
Captain Bishworjit also said that the team are pumped up and they will definitely try to register a dominating win against Arunachal Pradesh.
Kangabam Priyojit, who is in red hot form with the bat, also said that he will try his best to deliver another big score and help Manipur finish big in the next match.