Chennai, Sept. 30: India Red skipper Venugopal Rao exuded confidence ahead of the Challenger Trophy set to start at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday.

Talking to this newspaper, Venugopal said, "I know we do not have much time to settle down. With only two games before the final we will have to get our bearings right straightway but I am confident of my team putting a solid show."

Challenger sides are usually a mix and match bunch but Venugopal will enjoy the advantage of having led the crux of this side in Australia during a recent tour by the India A team. "Having played together as a team recently will come in handy as we know the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals well and that would help out chalk out the strategies keeping that in mind."

The team has in its ranks Zaheer Khan and Murali Kartik, both of whom are trying to force a comeback into the national side. Venu feels the inclusion of these two experienced bowlers is a shot in the arm for his attack that also includes V.R.V. Singh, Ramesh Powar and Sreesanth who has been left out for the Champions Trophy. The games ahead provide Zaheer an ideal platform to impress the selectors after his successful county stint.

The Reds have a good balance to them. The top-order has been amongst the runs this both during the tour to the Antipodes and the local tournaments at the start of the season. Local lad S. Badri will be the one to watch in the middle order while openers Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa who were both successful with the A team should provide the solidity at the top.

Murali Kartik and Ramesh Powar the two spinners will have their task out, as the middle overs will largely decide the fate of the games that are expected to be high scoring affairs. The amount of control the spinners will exercise on the scoring rate will be very vital.

India Green coach Robin Singh was also confident of his team doing well in the tournament. "It is a good combination and has a good balance to it. It will be a definite advantage that I know most of the players well and that we have travelled together recently will hold us in good stead, they have the potential to succeed it is a question of application on field," said Robin.

Robin said the team has enough experience in the batting department to draw strength from. "The top and middle order is packed with quality players and they would hold the key to our success," said Robin.

"The start is very vital but the batsmen should bear in mind that they would up against some quality bowling," cautioned Robin, who added every player has forced his way to the side with some very good shows and the tournament is a great scope for them to take it further on a bigger stage.

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla came in for special mention from Robin. "He was the lone spinner in Australia but he handled the job brilliantly, he is getting stronger and more craftier, he will certainly have a important role to play in the Challenger," concluded Robin.