“Brother from another mother.” That’s how Ankeet Bawane and Mayank Agarwal describe each other, a bond forged through years of age-group cricket. But over the next four days, friendship will give way to rivalry as the two lead their respective sides — Maharashtra and Karnataka — in a high-profile Ranji Trophy Group B clash at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Gahunje.

Both teams have begun their campaigns impressively, with a win each placing Karnataka and Maharashtra second and third in the group standings. After rain spoiled Maharashtra’s opening home fixture in Nashik last week, Bawane’s men will be eager to register a commanding performance in front of their home crowd.

Maharashtra will miss Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been called up for India-A duties. However, in Sachin Dhas, the team has a ready replacement. The spotlight will also be on Maharashtra’s talented Under-19 trio — Dhas, Siddhesh Veer, and Arshin Kulkarni — to provide stability and support to Prithvi Shaw, who has hit top form in his maiden season for the team.

For Karnataka, skipper Agarwal and Karun Nair will look to continue their fine form and make strong statements. Karun, especially, will be eager for a big knock after being overlooked for the India-A one-day squad following his exclusion from the Test squad. Maharashtra’s attack, led by left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary and veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena, will test their mettle on what promises to be a lively surface.

With several marquee names on display and the first two days scheduled over the weekend, a healthy turnout, a rarity in domestic cricket, can be expected. Despite intermittent rain through the week, the MCA groundstaff, under neutral curator Abhijit Piprode, has prepared a pitch expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball.