No favourite in Karnataka-TN Ranji clash: TN Coach Raman

Tamil Nadu coach Woorkeri V Raman does not view either defending champions Karnataka or his team as favourites when they cross swords in the five-day Ranji Trophy final commencing at the Wankhede Stadium on March 8.

"There's no such thing as an underdog or a favourite. It will be a battle of confidence (of Karnataka) against a side which is willing to fight (TN)," the former India opener told reporters.

While Karnataka have won the title last year, TN had last won the trophy for only the second time in the tournament's history.

According to the 49-year-old coach, the side which seized crucial moments in the game would have an edge.

"As I see it the team which is able to identify key moments of the game and try and do what's supposed to be done will have the last laugh.

Recalling his team's up and down journey to the summit clash, Raman credited his players for learning to play well under pressure.

"After the first half we were precariously placed. We had to either go for glory or perish. We had to take that call. We got to play to win and not to play safe. I took the call and boys responded.

"More than the Dindigul game, the games against UP and Mumbai were important as both these teams were good enough to qualify for the knock out and it was a shoot out. We had to take that calculated risk and we won those games and it was the turning point and gave the boys the belief that they can do well."

Young players Inderjit Baba and Vijay Shankar also came in for some praise from the Tamil Nadu coach V Raman.