JOIN USR Samarth is a strong follower of cricket's famous saying -- let the bat do the talking. There are no frills or drama that jolt you when he operates yet Samarth is a treat to watch. The right-handed top-order batsman brings beauty to the textbook style of play and stitches innings with utmost calm.
Ever since he drew attention five years ago with a sensational show in the Safi Darashah tournament, slamming six centuries, Samarth's healthy progress has made him one of the mainstays of Karnataka batting. After breaking into the Ranji Trophy squad in 2013, Samarth has stood his own amidst a clutch of highly talented batsmen from Karnataka.
It is easy to get lost in the crowd in the strong pool of talent that Karnataka generates every year. The competition is strong and consistency is the only option to hold on to one's place in the side. Samarth has done just that. His hunger for runs was rewarded when he got a chance to represent India 'A' last year and the Rest of India side earlier this month.
The domestic season has just concluded and Samarth's numbers are highly impressive. With 673 runs, Samarth was Karnataka's second highest run-scorer behind Mayank Agarwal (1160) in the Ranji Trophy. In Karnataka's title-winning show in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Samarth was once again the second best to Agarwal (723) with 347 runs. His terrific form continued in the Deodhar Trophy as he slammed two centuries and one fifty.
"I am in the right frame of mind," Samarth tries to explain his brilliant run. "I don't try to over-think and throughout the season, I have just stuck to the basics. It's important for a batsman to not to have too many thoughts in his mind. It has been a good season where I have scored runs in all formats. I am grateful to God. I tried to do justice to the roles that were given to me and I think I have done well," he says.
Samarth eases into the role of an anchor thanks to his ability to rotate the strike. He is a fine reader of the game and that helps him get big scores despite batting in different positions. While he opened the innings in Ranji Trophy, Samarth batted at No 3 in the 50-over format as Karun Nair and Agarwal began proceedings. Even as he essays long innings, there is never a major dip in the run flow, especially in limited overs cricket.
"I am used to batting at No 3 because when Robin (Uthappa) was playing for Karnataka, I wouldn't open and was asked to bat at No 3 or 4. So as a professional, it's important to quickly adapt. Even if I am doing the job of holding on to one end, I don't get stuck and I make sure I shift gears when it's necessary. When the wickets are falling at regular intervals, it's important for a set batsman like me to find boundaries and I do that," offers Samarth, who averages 48.47 in 21 List A Games.
Samarth's first class statistics are no less impressive. He averages 43.14 with 3020 runs from 43 matches. The 25-year-old is a two-time Ranji Trophy winner and for someone who sets high standards for himself, the Bengalurean was extremely disheartened to not to have performed well in the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha in Kolkata.
"It was disappointing not to have contributed in the semifinal. In the second innings, I was adjudged leg before wicket but I guess I was unlucky as I think the ball hit my bat. I played a faulty shot in the first innings. We (Karnataka) are the best side in the country and there is no doubt about it. Defeats do happen but I should have put my hands up and scored that day. It was a big game and the team needed me. So it was upsetting," explains Samarth, who made scores of six and 24 in Karnataka's heart-breaking five-run loss to the eventual champions.
His century in the Deodhar Trophy final is a testimony to his talent. Tottering at 64 for four against India 'B' in Dharamsala, Karnataka desperately needed stability and one big partnership. Samarth provided that with a gutsy 107 ofF 120 balls and stitched 132 runs in the company of the seasoned CM Gautam (76). Samarth rates the knock as his best of the season. "Unfortunately the century came in a losing cause but it remains special for me. Their bowlers gave nothing away and it was a precarious situation. Considering how the team was struggling, I am glad I was able to take us to a fighting total," he says.
Another feature that stands out in Samarth is his fielding skills. He is brilliant in the slips and pulled off some terrific catches this season. "You need to be a plus on the field. Otherwise, you are a liability. There is no room for being slow on the field and giving away extra runs. Karnataka have a lot of youngsters and we work hard on our fielding," he says.
Samarth is looking forward to another successful season. "I am happy that I got a chance to play one level higher than the domestic circuit. It was a memorable experience under Rahul Dravid in India 'A'. He never stresses too much on the technical aspects as he knows at this stage we are capable of handling the challenges on that front. He asks to remain calm and keep a steady head. It's a different task when you play at that level as the margin of error is very less. I hope I continue to play well and get more such opportunities."