Chintan Gaja on Gujarat keeping Kerala under the pump: We bowled in the right areas

Nagwaswalla and Gaja removed the cream of Kerala’s top-order on Tuesday evening and they followed it up with decisive spells after tea with the second new ball. | Photo Credit: M.R. PRAVEEN CHANDRAN

They were supposed to play the support cast to the spinners on the red soil wicket at the Narendra Modi stadium but captain Chintan Gaja and Arzan Nagwaswalla lethal spells with the new balls to rattle Kerala in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match here on Wednesday.

The lion hearted efforts of Nagwaswalla (four for 59) and Gaja (three for 65) has firmly put Gujarat in the driver’s seat. Nagwaswalla and Gaja removed the cream of Kerala’s top-order on Tuesday evening and they followed it up with decisive spells after tea with the second new ball. The duo shut out whatever little hopes Kerala nurtured of prolonging the first innings. The visitors collapsed from 277 for six to 279 all out within three overs.

“We knew there would be help with the new ball and we wanted to maximise that advantage. We struck to the basics, bowled in the right areas and kept the pressure. I must compliment our spinners as well as they kept it tight from the other end when we were bowling. Arzan bowled his heart out and stuck to his plan. His away going deliveries created doubts in the mind of the batters and he was relentless,’’ said Gaja.

“We kept getting wickets at the right time. We were in the box seat when we dismissed both the overnight batters Sachin Baby and Vishnu Vinod before lunch. I think Sarvate’s wicket was crucial. He was batting confidently and he got out to a bad shot. We go all out tomorrow and look for a win,’’ said Gaja.

“I struck a nice rhythm early and I was looking to swing the ball. I am happy to get crucial wickets for the team,’’ said Nagwaswalla.