Mysuru: Karnataka have taken their own sweet time to warm up their engine this Ranji Trophy season. With just two points in two games, accelerating quick enough to get into the groove and rediscovering their killer instinct will be of big importance when they take on Tripura in their third Elite Group B fixture at the SDNR Wadiyar Cricket Stadium here in Manasa Gangothiri, starting Monday.
While the confidence would have taken a slight hit after a not-so convincing start, stand-in skipper Shreyas Gopal assured that the belief system is very much intact.
“The thought process for Karnataka is always to win. Unfortunately, we missed out on two points in both the games. Even if we had two outright wins, we would still go for the win,” Shreyas said on the eve of the game.
For Karnataka, there is more than just points at stake. The all-important momentum must be gained, batting faith should be repaid, and bowling reputations will have to be restored.
And coach R Vinay Kumar will look to turn their limitations into strengths, with Smaran R, Devdutt Padikkal and K L Rahul on national duty. For that, the younger bunch will have to graduate from promise to performance.
The hosts will also hope to finally strike a winning combination. First, with batting, Karnataka have used four different batsmen in as many innings at the No. 3 spot.
However, with Aneesh K V registering two confidence-boosting fifties in the second game, the 25-year-old should take the place for the time being.
Shreyas confirmed Mayank Agarwal is fit for the Tripura game after not opening in the second innings against Saurashtra, and the former captain will be well aware of his modest returns so far.
Rohan Patil showcased a bit of his batting flair before throwing his wicket away, and it remains to be seen if he keeps his spot.
Manvanth Kumar’s century and Vidwath Kaverappa’s four-for against Saurashtra have been the positives, but more will be needed from those around them, especially with their bowling coming under scrutiny.
While the hosts played three spinners in game one, they featured one in the second. Abhilash Shetty, who found his rhythm in phases, could likely see the bench if the think tank decides to go with an extra spinner.
Mysuru surfaces have been batting-friendly, and they usually start assisting spinners as the game progresses.
“The wicket is good right now, we haven’t thought about playing the extra spinner or the pacer. We will do it tonight,” Shreyas said.
Fielding coach Deepak Chougule would have logged on a double shift after their poor fielding show in Alur.
Vinay has been candid in admitting that some of the new faces might not make the squad once Karnataka return to full strength, and they will have to take their chances to cement their spots.
Rain could play a part in the game, but weather is something that will not affect Karnataka’s approach.
“Rain is something we cannot control, and if we play according to it, we might get into a spot of bother,” Vinay added.
There is no denying the fact that Karnataka, despite a wobbly start, are hot favourite against Tripura. And they are expected to go for the kill.
Other Group B games: Hyderabad vs Punjab; Saurashtra vs Assam; Chhattisgarh vs Andhra.