JOIN USThe State side has displayed a refreshing vigour in the first three Super League matches to move miles ahead of their Group B mates. Uthappa touched on a variety of issues on the eve of their fourth league match against Maharashtra. Excerpts:
On Abhimanyu Mithun: We regret not playing him against Saurashtra last year. He is sharp and a quick learner. He knows how to keep himself fit, going to the gym. I am sure he is India material. Mithun can not only move the ball inwards in the air but also off the wicket. He has shown lot of maturity.
On the pace bowling strength: Karnataka has three good seamers and all are among wickets. A Mithun, Vinay Kumar and S Arvind have served the team well. It’s also a huge advantage to have a team-man like Vinay. He sets it up nicely for the other bowlers to take wickets.
On the new-look team: Many of these players have played under-19 and under-22 for the State. Now they have put their hands up and performed in the big stage. Well, I will not like to go over the top now and say Karnataka will win the Ranji Trophy this year. This team has the potential to win in the coming years. I will say we are confident of doing exceedingly well this year.
On the Pune Club pitch: It looks like a bowl-first wicket. It rained last week and the pitch seemed to have a bit of moisture. Even if we bat first, we have the capacity to counter any type of bowling. Personally, I like to play in this part of the country where the wickets are good for batsmen and bowlers.