JOIN US After retaining the Irani Trophy, Karnataka skipper R Vinay Kumar on Friday attributed the victory and his side’s 29-match unbeaten streak to their ability to keep things simple.
On coming back after conceding a 20-run lead: Yes, we were disappointed in our first innings because we were targeting 350 and suddenly we lost six wickets. But we knew the advantage was with us as it is always difficult to bat in the fourth innings. Our next aim was to get Rest of India all out early. So, even after giving them a 20-run lead it did not really matter because our mindset was to win.
On his sides’ consistency over the last two seasons: Keeping things very simple has been our formula. When we started for Vijay Hazare, it was all about winning one game at a time without thinking about trophies. Everyone, even the debutants, contributed in each department and all are capable of making it big. Out of the 11 players, if five to six perform then the consistency will be there in the squad and we can achieve big.
On Karnataka’s pace attack: On the KSCA pitch we need to bowl wicket to wicket. Normally, we have three good seamers and once we finish our spell, we need a part-timer to fill in. Even, Shreyas is a main bowler. Someone has to bowl that five to six overs, and chances are there for the batsmen to get set. That’s why we went with an extra bowler. With the kind of bowlers we have, the plan was to come in short spells and bowl in the right areas.
On Manish Pandey’s knock: He is a match-winner. He is a big-match player, like Karun. Everyone asked me why Manish is not getting runs, but he is the kind of player who takes the responsibility and delivers.
On Mithun’s growth as a bowler: He has grown as a bowler. He is an attacking bowler. He may or may not get a wicket. Today he was very eager to perform. The wicket had cracks, and the pace at which he is bowling it is very difficult for the batsmen.