Down but not out, Juyal wants UP to finish strong

With only two matches left before the knockouts kick off, there isn't any glimmer of hope for former champions Uttar Pradesh to make it to the knockouts of the Ranji Trophy this season.

- Sharad Deep

LUCKNOW: There is, at least, one man who wants the side to finish the season in the best way it can.

Skipper Aryan Juyal is looking for some payback by winning the last two games. The team, placed seventh, has managed to win just six points in five matches in Group C. "For me, winning is always important and I wish to see my team winning both our matches against Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Finishing with a win will boost our confidence for the next season," said Juyal after his team's first training session at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday.

In the first match of the final leg, Uttar Pradesh will take on Bihar from January 23 in Patna before playing their last match of the season against hosts Madhya Pradesh in Indore from January 30. Even if they win both the matches outrightly, they won't be able to top the table-toppers, Haryana and Kerala.