Ranji Trophy | Karnataka has its process minimize out in opposition to Kerala

Key participant: Karnataka will financial institution on Koushik to provide you with incisive spells.
| Picture Credit score: FILE PHOTO: N. Sudarshan

Karnataka will face a second straight difficult take a look at because it welcomes Kerala for the Ranji Trophy Elite Group-C match which will get underway from Friday on the Alur Grounds close to right here.

Kerala is coming off a thumping eight-wicket win over Punjab regardless of conceding the first-innings lead, and it’ll even be bolstered by the presence of Sanju Samson, recent after his scintillating 111 within the Hyderabad T20I versus Bangladesh.

The truth is, 5 monsoons in the past in Alur, Samson smashed a 129-ball unbeaten 212 in a Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter in opposition to Goa. If the 29-year-old can marry these golden recollections from the previous together with his current type, Karnataka can be in for a leather-based hunt.

The eight-time champion can be coming off a middling effort in opposition to Madhya Pradesh in Indore. Although the edges break up factors equally due to rain and a dodgy outfield, the top-order — however for Nikin Jose who scored a plucky 99 — didn’t impress.

Bowlers V. Koushik and V. Vyshak toiled lengthy and exhausting however didn’t discover satisfactory help, with Prasidh Krishna sitting out after bowling simply eight overs.

Now, with Prasidh within the Indian squad as a travelling reserve and Vidwath Kaverappa out with a shin damage, there’s area to fill. There could also be a toss up between seam-bowling all-rounder Vidyadhar Patil and rookie left-armer Abhilash Shetty.

Spinners want to fireplace

Karnataka additionally wants its spinners Shreyas Gopal and Hardik Raj to be tighter and incisive. Kerala, in distinction, has the Jalaj Saxena-Aditya Sarwate duo that accounted for 16 of the 20 wickets in opposition to Punjab. However their effectiveness within the cool environs of the Backyard Metropolis will rely on the pitch.

Nevertheless, for any contest to materialise, the climate has to behave. After dire threats of incessant rain, Wednesday in and round Bengaluru was largely freed from precipitation. The sport can be served effectively if it holds good for 4 extra days.