Sule Guruji, Rizvi vie for Giles Shield honours

The battle for the top spot between city schools IES VN Sule Guruji (Dadar) and Rizvi Springfield (Bandra) is set to resume as a new season of the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA)-Mumbai Indians Giles Shield Elite Division kicks off today

Having defeated Rizvi in the Giles final last season, Sule Guruji will look to defend theircrown this time. Dhruva Vedak-led Sule Guruji play their opening match against Anjuman I-Islam Allana English (CST) at Cross Maidan today.u00a0

VN Sule Guruji's skipper Dhruva Vedak during a training session in Matunga yesterday.u00a0Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi

"Last year, we won against Rizvi, but lost to them in the Harris Shield final. We look to win both titles this year. The team has gelled well despite having only two players from last year," he said.

Rizvi will start their campaign against M D Bhatia (Ghatkopar) at Azad Maidan today with an aim to regain supremacy.

"We have 4-5 good players. We are confident of doing well," said coach Raju Pathak. MSSA cricket secretary HS Bhor said that 133 teams would participate - an increase of 13 teams this season. u00a0