Grand welcome for champs

The victorious Karnataka Ranji Trophy team were accorded a champions’ reception at the KSCA here on Friday with administrators and former players hailing their dominant title defence.

On a warm afternoon, the players were first welcomed with the bursting of crackers and drum beats before being presented with a shawl and the customary Mysore peta.

The talk of the town, thanks to their eighth Ranji Trophy triumph that took their unbeaten streak to a stunning 28 matches, the players basked in the glory and asserted that their hunger for success has still not been satiated. Posing for shutterbugs with smiles across their faces, the victorious bunch resembled a united family that has vanquished every opposition in indomitable fashion.

“Moment the team won the Ranji Trophy yesterday, I got a lot of calls from the media on what would be the cash rewards,” said KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel. “Firstly, there would definitely would be cash rewards but I would like to tell the team that there are still two more tournaments (Irani Cup and All India T20 tournament). I want them to win those too.|

“This team has developed into a formidable bunch. What has impressed me the most is their good behaviour. Over the years, Karnataka has prided itself in producing disciplined players and I can proudly say this team is as disciplined and committed as any in the past.

“The next target for the boys should be to break into the Indian team. (KL) Rahul got his opportunity recently while Vinay (Kumar) has been in and out. The selectors have been keeping a close eye on all of you and I’m confident that quite a few will graduate to the national side. The South Africans are coming here later this year while the World T20 is set for next year. There is a lot of cricket to be played and all the hard work and effort will not go in vain,” added the captain of the 1982-83 Ranji team that beat Bombay in the final.

Vinay, who became the first skipper to capture five wickets in an innings and slam a century in the final, said breaking down the big goal into smaller targets made the difference. “Sometimes when you set yourself big goals, you may not be able to achieve it. The best thing to do is break it down into smaller targets. That’s what we did. We took it match by match. We focused on doing the smaller things right.”

Vinay also said the team had multiple heroes and he was blessed to lead the side. “During the season, we have been in trouble many times. And, during all of those times, there has been someone who has put his hand up and delivered.

“While the seniors have gone about their job in efficient manner, the juniors have grabbed their opportunities. Even in the final when we lost early wickets, Karun (Nair) and Rahul were confident they could get the job done.”

Vinay said graduating to the Indian side would be the next target. “In 1995-96, around six players from Karnataka were part of the national team. There is a lot of talent in this side and I’m hopeful many of us would go on and play for the country.”