After helping Hyderabad earn promotion to Elite Division (which since has been done away with in the new Ranji Trophy format from this season), former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi is targetting a knockout berth for the side this year.

“Realistically speaking, we want to reach at least the knockout stage and then take it from there,” said Joshi who has extended his contract by another year with the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

“I’ve invested in a lot of time and energy into this side last year and everyone was happy with kind of results we produced. My aim this year is to build on that success, especially with the tough competition beckoning us in the new format. It’s a great opportunity for the boys to compete with the best in the country. I thank the HCA for their support and VVS (Laxman) who has agreed to play for the State this season. His presence in the side takes a lot of pressure off me,” Joshi remarked.

Joshi, however, said his heart was with Karnataka cricket. “Obviously, my ultimate desire is to return to Karnataka cricket and do my bit for the State. But there’s still a lot of time for that. Right now my priority is Hyderabad cricket, and as a professional, I’ve a commitment to honour with that set-up.”

The former Karnataka skipper said he was moved by the KSCA gesture to honour him alongside Laxman during the New Zealand Test here last month. “Though I share a personal rapport with most in the KSCA administration, I was also touched by their gesture of putting me alongside someone like Laxman.”