Energy levels were low, says Vinay

 Hyderabad needed 288 runs on the final day against Karnataka and the visitors had eight wickets in hand. Though the hosts held the edge in the contest, there was no clear favourite.

A lot depended on how disciplined Karnataka were on the field as easy runs would lift the pressure off their opponents. Karnataka however weren’t the quickest on the field. The energy required to stop the run flow wasn’t sufficient either.

“Yes the energy levels were a bit low from the players but you have to consider the conditions. It was hot and humid out there on all four days and it takes a toll,” said captain R Vinay Kumar about his team’s effort.

Karnataka conceded a whopping 40 runs in extras and 21 of them came through byes. Wicketkeeper CM Gautam had a tough time behind the stumps. “If you ask me, CM did a good job. It wasn’t easy for him because some of the balls were kicking in and some kept low,” offered Vinay.

Dropped catches made it tougher for Karnataka. Rahul, after taking a fine catch at slips to see off Rayudu, dropped the dangerous-looking Sandeep at the same position. Vinay too missed a chance at first slip. “Unfortunately it was very difficult to sight the ball. Otherwise, we all know that Rahul is a good fielder. After I dropped Ojha, I took it up as a challenge to get the team back in the match. I was glad I could eventually break the crucial partnership of Sandeep and Ashish Reddy,” explained Vinay.