Kerala eyes good start against a strong Jharkhand side
Kerala is set to face Jharkhand in a Ranji Trophy cricket match at the historic Keenan Stadium. The team is looking for a strong start to the season after a disappointing performance last year.
Why it matters
Domestic cricket tournaments like the Ranji Trophy are crucial for player development and regional sports engagement in India.
The Keenan Stadium is named after John Keenan, an American. He was a much-loved general manager who played a key role in the growth of Tata Steel.
A cricket ground honouring an American isn’t usual. But, that isn’t the only claim to fame for this ground.
It was here that Viv Richards smashed a 99-ball 149 in an ODI for the West Indies against India in 1983, which was basically a revenge tour for Clive Lloyd’s men for their World Cup loss to Kapil Dev’s Devils.
Sourav Ganguly scored a hundred in an Indian victory in 2000 against South Africa, while M.S. Dhoni fell four runs short of one against England six years later.
But it remains a prominent venue for Ranji Trophy. And Kerala begins its campaign in the new season, with a match against Jharkhand, here on Sunday.
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