We will win over the fans, says coach Arun Kumar

The Karnataka side had expressed disappointment at the response from the Mysuru crowd in their previous match here against Haryana but the State team’s batting coach, J Arun Kumar, still believes the local fans are loyal to the home side.

“As professional cricketers, we shouldn’t read too much into the crowd response. They have seen us play a lot of times and at the end of the day, they are our true supporters. We knew there would be a huge backing for Virender Sehwag in the previous match and it is quite normal, considering Sehwag’s popularity. Ahead of this match, we have taken it up as a challenge to play well and win their hearts again,” Arun said.

Karnataka players had been upset about the behaviour of the crowd during their last match here.

Karnataka’s bench strength has shown its calibre in this season so far but the return of few of the senior members into the side has made the task of getting the best combination a lot more difficult for Arun.

“It is a good problem to be in. Especially in the bowling category, we have many options. If you look at Odisha’s batting line-up, they have only one left-hander. Thus, we will be playing a left-arm spinner for sure. We will consider all kinds of possibilities and the best 11 will play.”

Speaking about the wicket, Arun said the Mysuru surface has always been surprising. “The tracks here have always surprised us. It looks like a turning wicket. Odisha has struggled against our spinners in the past and we might go in with two spinners,” he said.

Arun said the team has worked hard on their fielding, after a couple of dropped catches against Rajasthan almost cost them the match.

“We are generally a good fielding side. But in Jaipur, the sun reflected from the wicket and hit the players’ eyes. Otherwise all of them are confident in the team about their fielding skills,” he said.

After their first outright win, Arun said the energy level of the players has gone up. “The mood in the team is fantastic. They were a little dull earlier but after the win players are feeling very confident,” Arun signed off.