JOIN USKarnataka skipper R Vinay Kumar was wary of the team’s performance with the bat but insisted that it was better to have a lull now rather than later in the tournament.
Karnataka, who lie seventh on the table in Group ‘B’ with five points from three matches, have not been in the best of forms with the bat. Despite packing the line up with seven batsmen, the six-time champions have failed to make an impact -- especially in the first innings. Their performance with the bat against arch-rivals Tamil Nadu in Chennai where they chased down 538 to claim three points for gaining the first innings lead has been the best so far.
“This is a very important game for us. We need six points here,” said Vinay during the team’s practice session at the M Chinaswamy stadium on Friday. “I’m a bit disappointed with only five points from three games. The batting department has not had a great time but sometimes these things happen.”
When asked if the long batting line-up was turning out to be a curse, Vinay said: “Maybe it is. It might be a negative for us. The bowling is not a concern but the batting has not performed at crucial stages.”
Former India seamer and current coach of the Odisha team Debashish Mohanty was focussed on sticking to the basics and not get overawed by Karnataka’s might. “So far we have had a good campaign. We’ve played only two games effectively. The win against Haryana was a boost to our confidence,” said Mohanty.
The green-tinged pitch here is something that the pacers will be happy with and with both sides carrying an array of pacers, it is bound to be an entertaining contest.
“We’re going for six points here. Obviously our strength is seam bowling and we’re hoping for a seaming track. Orissa too have good seamers but you have to be ready to take a chance. It’s either all in or out,” remarked Vinay.