Ranji Trophy: Karnataka's 'transition' to title

The eight-time Ranji Trophy winners finally appear to have found a nucleus around which a formidable team can be built, writes Madhu Jawali.

Transition often serves as a convenient alibi for teams struggling to meet their lofty standards. For Karnataka, eight-time Ranji Trophy champions, this narrative had lingered for years following the retirement of stalwarts and the migration of others to different states. Their last Ranji Trophy win dates back to 2014-15, while their Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumphs came in 2019-20.

That drought ended emphatically with their record-equalling fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph, achieved less than two weeks ago, showcasing the rise of a new generation of stars. For Karnataka, this victory symbolises the emergence of a nucleus around which a formidable team can be built. While such transitions ideally should not have taken as long for a team with Karnataka’s legacy, the recent success proves better late than even later.

Captain Mayank Agarwal’s joy at lifting the Vijay Hazare Trophy was palpable, cradling the silverware as though it were his newborn child. In a tournament where he scored over 600 runs, it was a rewarding end wherein the team struck a balance between youth and experience, signaling a true generational shift.

Young talents like R Smaran, KV Aneesh, Abhilash Shetty, Hardik Raj, and wicketkeeper-batter KL Shrijith emerged as the backbone of the team, while seasoned players such as Prasidh Krishna, V Koushik, Shreyas Gopal, Devdutt Padikkal, and V Manohar provided the crucial experience needed to win a championship. It is worth noting that Padikkal and Prasidh joined the squad only in the latter stages of the tournament, yet their impact was profound.

In what can only be described as the biggest match of his burgeoning career, Smaran stood head and shoulders above his team-mates, delivering a century for the ages in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Vidarbha. His maiden List A century (101 off 92 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes) powered Karnataka to a commanding total, paving the way for their first senior-level domestic title in five years.

Smaran’s rise did not stop there. He followed up his heroics with a maiden Ranji Trophy double century (203) against Punjab, silencing any doubts about his red-ball credentials.

Aneesh, a dependable opener, has quietly shown his mettle, graduating from the under-23 ranks with steady performances. Similarly, 19-year-old left-arm spinner Hardik Raj has earned the attention of Karnataka cricket circles. While Hardik has yet to deliver a breakthrough performance, glimpses of his talent suggest he could be a vital player in the coming years. Medium-pacer and all-rounder Yashovardhan Parantap is another rising star expected to have a lasting impact.

These young players owe much of their development to Karnataka’s triumphant under-23 campaign during the 2023-24 season. Currently placed second in Group A of this year’s tournament, just three points behind leaders Maharashtra, the defending champions boast a promising crop of talent waiting to make the leap to the senior side.

Among those ready to graduate are top-order batter Prakhar Chaturvedi, who has scored an impressive 634 runs at an average of 90.57 to go with his 900-plus runs last season, and off-spinner Shashi Kumar K, who has claimed 35 wickets from five matches. Shashi briefly broke into the Ranji side last season but was sidelined by injury, necessitating a return to under-23 cricket for game time.

J Abhiram, chairman of Karnataka’s senior selection committee, reflects on the deliberate and sometimes difficult choices made to rebuild the team.

“For a long time, we weren’t winning anything with the seniors,” he explains. “If you look at the potential of our junior cricketers, they have it in them to go up the ladder, and some of the seniors in the team weren’t going to play for the country. So, with that vision in mind, you had to build a side and see where Karnataka is in the next three to four years.”

The selection panel, led by Abhiram, took bold steps by moving on from established players like R Samarth, KV Siddharth, and even seasoned all-rounder K Gowtham and Manish Pandey -- one of Karnataka’s finest batters. Instead, they placed their faith in youth, a decision that did not yield immediate results but is now paying dividends.

"Last year we started the process," Abhiram continued. "We got Hardik Raj into the team. Then Aneesh and Smaran with the kind of performance in the under-23s -- Aneesh got close to 1000 runs and Smaran got 800-plus runs. So there was no way we could oversee those kinds of performances and talent. Aneesh debuted last year and for Smaran, it was a matter of time. He is a brilliant cricketer. And that commitment and that hunger in the youngsters... It's just a matter of time before Prakhar would come into the team.

"Then we have got young spinners Moshin Khan, Shashi (Kumar K), Paras Gurbax Arya, Shikhar Shetty... all brilliant cricketers, brilliant bowlers. Shikhar got 25 wickets in the Thimmappaiah tournament, but unfortunately that boy got injured. Otherwise, he would have played a lot more matches. Then we have Gurbax... He's already got 26 wickets (in the BCCI U-23 tournament). Shashi was also injured, so we thought let him play the under-23 matches. That boy has got 35 wickets. Moshin, he is also an under 23 boy."

Karnataka’s conveyor belt of talent does not stop with the aforementioned players. Promising spinners Moshin Khan, who had made his Ranji debut, Shikhar Shetty and Paras -- again all under-23 alumni -- have also shown immense potential. Paras, for instance, has taken 26 wickets in the ongoing BCCI under-23 tournament.

Abhiram highlights another standout performer: “Shikhar got 25 wickets in the Thimmappaiah tournament before his injury. If not for that, he would have played far more matches by now.”

While Karnataka has an abundance of batting and spin-bowling talent, bolstering their pace attack remains a priority. Abhilash Shetty has shown promise, but the team needs to find more dependable pacers to ensure a seamless transition. V Koushik, though prolific, is already 32 years old, and Prasidh Krishna’s availability may be limited due to national commitments.

As Karnataka looks ahead, they will need to consolidate their newfound success by continuing to nurture their young stars while addressing key areas like pace bowling. With a pipeline brimming with potential, the team has the potential to dominate the domestic circuit. Again!