Ranji Trophy: Karnataka look to do the improbable

Taking on table-toppers Haryana, Karnataka need nothing less than a bonus-point win to extend their stay in the premier first-class tournament.

Bengaluru: Having accomplished the Mission Impossible I task against Punjab with panache, a buoyant Karnataka will be eyeing the same in Mission Impossible II versus Haryana, an assignment that is tough but not unachievable.

When the home straight of Ranji Trophy’s group stage phase resumed last week, Karnataka’s chances of making the knockout quarterfinals looked quite bleak.

Hampered by poor weather at the start of the campaign and then a poor show against Bengal, the eight-time champions looked set for an early exit unless they pulled off a miracle.  

Mayank Agarwal’s men, rejuvenated by a record-equalling fifth title triumph in the Vijay Hazare Trophy early this month, did so against Punjab at the Chinnaswamy Stadium last weekend as they posted a thumping 10-wicket win to rise to third in the table with 19 points that has injected a great sense of belief in the camp.

However, the challenge ahead of them starting Thursday at the very same venue is arduous. Taking on table-toppers Haryana (26 points) — Kerala are second on 21 points — Karnataka need nothing less than a bonus-point win to extend their stay in the premier first-class tournament. That would tie them with Haryana on 26 points each but since they would have one extra bonus-point win, it would take them to the knockouts irrespective of what Kerala do.    

Karnataka can make the cut even if they get a simple win (6 points) but then Kerala should take no more than 3 points in their clash against Bihar. Although stranger things have happened in cricket, the odds of that happening are extremely slim considering Bihar have just 1 point from 6 games thanks to an abandoned game against Bengal.

Karnataka, eyeing an encore of Punjab result, received a big boost with the return of KL Rahul and pacer Vidwath Kaverappa. Rahul, who last played Ranji Trophy in February 2020 against Bengal, blended in seamlessly with his State mates, going full tilt during training over the last two days — be it batting or fielding. 

Kaverappa, coming back from a shin injury, did not bowl during Wednesday’s training session but coach Yere Goud allayed any concerns over his fitness, saying the strapping pacer had a long stint on Tuesday and was given the day off because they want him fresh for the Haryana game.

Goud also confirmed that the pitch will have a good amount of grass with solid bounce, meaning Karnataka could go with a three-pronged pace pack comprising Kaverappa, the ever-reliable V Koushik and India international Prasidh Krishna. Young pace-bowling all-rounder Yashovardhan Parantap could prove handy too. In-form leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal too could be a potent force.

Haryana, however, will be determined to take the knockout spot at Karnataka’s expense. Their batting hasn’t been exceptional but the likes of Himanshu Rana (419), Ankit Kumar (309), Dheeru Singh (291) and Lakshay Dalal (256) have got the job done without much fuss. 

Similarly, their bowling too has been efficient without being extraordinary. Veteran spinner Jayant Yadav has led the attack with 23 wickets while pacer Anshul Kamboj (22) has supported him well with Anuj Thakral (10) too having done a reasonably good job. As a team, they are the classic ‘sum being greater than parts’.

Karnataka would be wary of it but they would be hoping their stars align to make the difference.   

Group C fixtures: Karnataka vs Haryana; Bengal vs Punjab; Kerala vs Bihar; Madhya Pradesh vs Uttar Pradesh.