Bengal face Jammu & Kashmir in their Vijay Hazare Trophy opener at the Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering ground in Chennai on Thursday.

Bengal are confident of getting a good start to the season, but rain could be a factor in the game. Due to rain, Bengal haven’t been able to have a look at the pitch.

“We have not been able to have a look at the wicket. The ground is far from where we are staying. Besides, it has been raining and the entire ground is under covers. Only after seeing the pitch will we finalise our playing XI,” coach Sairaj Bahutule said.

Good preparations, nonetheless, have kept the team morale high. “We have had very good preparations. Our coach has also tried to bring the best out of the boys and they have responded well,” Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary said on Wednesday.

Manoj feels toss is going to play a very important role, but his team is prepared for all kinds of challenges. “Tosses are important these days as you get a chance to execute your plans on the drawing board. This gives you a 20 percent advantage.

“But having said that, you need to play well no matter what and win the game for the team,” he added.