During the first round of the All India Buchi Babu Tournament 2025, Hyderabad eked out a slender seven-run lead in the first innings after Punjab had piled up 348 for five in the allotted 90 overs. In the second innings, Punjab set Hyderabad a challenging 292 to win in 45 overs. Though Hyderabad eventually crossed the line, it turned into a tense chase.

“It’s an interesting format. We’ve had some very close games,” Hyderabad spinner Tanay Thyagarajan said. “You’re always in that situation — do you risk it or not?”

This season, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) tweaked the league format to 90 overs per side in the first innings and 45 overs per side in the second. Played across three days with the red ball, it demands a blend of skills — from long-form batting to limited-over chasing prowess.

The knockout stages, however, will be played in the four-day, 90-over-per-side format. The tournament returned in 2023 after a six-year break, in a four-day format. Before 2016, however, it was traditionally played as a two-day affair with one innings each, either 100 or 90 overs a side.

“The format is result-oriented — there’s no draw, which is the best part,” Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said.

Bengal, in its opening match against Haryana, was tasked with chasing 264 in the fourth innings. Abishek Porel, usually a middle-order batter, was promoted to open, considering his white-ball reputation. Bengal eventually lost by 100 runs, but it had no choice but to go for the win.

“I am playing this format for the first time. It’s challenging. You bat for 90 overs in the first innings, then switch to a One-Day mindset in the chase,” Porel said.

For players and teams, the format serves as the perfect warm-up ahead of a demanding domestic season. While players sharpen their red-ball skills, coaches and selectors get a closer look at potential Ranji Trophy candidates.

“We count this as the start of the season. One (Bengal) team is here, the other in Pondicherry (playing the CAP Inter-State Multi-Day Siechem Trophy). These are like selection matches for the season,” Shukla added.

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Another reason Bengal prefers Tamil Nadu is the weather. “It’s been a while since we played with the red ball. Back home, we practiced indoors due to the rains, so this is a big opportunity to gain rhythm,” Porel explained.

India and Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar also turned out for one game before heading for the Duleep Trophy. “Before the season, it’s a great way to prepare — to learn how to bowl on these wickets,” he said.

For Haryana’s Ashok Menaria, the experience is equally valuable for youngsters. “In the north, we don’t play on red soil, only black. Our motive is to let new players experience what the red soil does. You need to feel it first-hand,” he said.

“Overall, it’s good for the team. It helps us settle the combinations, see which players are performing well, identify areas to improve, and understand what we’re doing right,” Porel said.

Published on Aug 27, 2025