The historic Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur is set to return to the spotlight this Sunday as it hosts the
Kerala enters the new season under a revamped leadership structure, with
Focus on spin and squad depth
The playing conditions at Keenan Stadium are expected to play a significant role in the outcome of the match. According to team management, the pitch appears dry and is likely to offer assistance to spinners as the game progresses into the third and fourth days. Consequently, Kerala is placing heavy reliance on the experience of veteran campaigners Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate to control the middle phases of the game.
While the senior players are expected to lead the charge, the
A return to form for Vaisakh Chandran
For Vaisakh, the match against Jharkhand holds particular significance. The 30-year-old made a notable first-class debut against the same opposition in the 2022-23 season, where his five-wicket haul in the second innings proved decisive in securing a victory for Kerala. Following a challenging period marked by personal family concerns, a shoulder injury, and a subsequent dip in form, the bowler has spent the last seven months in rehabilitation.
Working closely with coach Biju George, Vaisakh has refined his bowling action to regain his rhythm. With the surface in Jamshedpur expected to suit his style, the team is hopeful that he can serve as an X-factor alongside the established spin duo. As Kerala embarks on this new chapter, the combination of seasoned leadership and a revitalized bowling attack will be central to their strategy for the opening round.
