Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Andhra hopes to exploit unexpected home comforts against Chhattisgarh

Andhra will hope for more contributions from Shaik Rasheed (in pic) and Ricky Bhui to support its bowling efforts. | Photo Credit: KVS Giri

Chhattisgarh’s wait for a home game will stretch into another round after a late venue change turned what was supposed to be a home fixture against Andhra into a reverse fixture. The side will now travel to DVR Ground in Mulapadu, near Vijayawada, for its Ranji Trophy Elite Group ‘B’ clash, starting Monday.

Two away games into the season, Chhattisgarh has little to show for its efforts — a draw against Saurashtra and a defeat to Punjab in New Chandigarh have left it seventh in the standings with just one point, and it needs at least an innings lead to move up the table.

Coach Amay Khurasiya would hope for a better all-round display in unfamiliar conditions, particularly from a batting unit that has leaned heavily on Ayush Pandey and Amandeep Khare. The pair has been the only reassuring presence at the crease, and Chhattisgarh will need greater support from the rest of the order.

However, the bowling attack has enough experience to challenge Andhra. Dharmendrasinh Jadeja has settled in well and scalped a seven-for in the last game and, alongside Ajay Mandal, could prove decisive on a surface that assisted spin in the previous game here.

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For Andhra, the venue switch offers a chance to turn home advantage into an outright result and erase the disappointment of last week’s crushing 267-run defeat to regional rival Hyderabad.

Its bowling attack has largely carried the campaign so far. Lalith Mohan, Saurabh Kumar and Tripurana Vijay have formed a potent spin trio and played a central role in securing the side’s three points against Karnataka.

The challenge now will be for the batting unit to match that consistency. Andhra will expect stronger returns from its top order, with Shaik Rasheed and Ricky Bhui needing to make a greater impact if the hosts are to convert favourable conditions into a win.