(Image: Karun Nair celebrating)
In Shivamogga, Karnataka kicked off the final day of their Ranji Trophy encounter against Goa by securing three crucial points within the first hour. However, the pursuit of an outright victory was ultimately thwarted by Goa’s determined batting lineup and the dwindling time. After being asked to follow on, Goa’s openers Manthan Khutkar (55 not out) and Abhinav Tejrana (73) showcased impressive resilience. Their partnership guided Goa to 143/1 in 46 overs, leading to both teams agreeing to a draw in the final session.
Karnataka’s pacers, despite their initial success on a helpful surface – bowling out Goa for 217 in their first innings, just four runs shy of avoiding the follow-on – found themselves challenged. Vyshak Vijaykumar briefly reignited hopes for an outright win by trapping Suyash Prabhudessai (13) lbw in Goa’s second innings. Yet, the initial excitement gradually faded as Goa’s batters formed an unyielding defense.
Intermittent rain further complicated matters, causing delays that ate into the lunch break and forced an early tea. By this point, Karnataka appeared to accept their fate of securing three points from the match, acknowledging Goa’s tenacious stand.
For Karnataka, the key batting highlights were the exceptional form of Karun Nair, who remained unbeaten with a superb 174 runs, and a solid 57 from all-rounder Shreyas Gopal. While the return of pacers Vyshak Vijaykumar and Vidwath Kaverappa significantly strengthened the bowling unit, both are still building up to their full intensity after returning from injury.
Indeed, Kaverappa’s bowling was a standout feature during Tuesday’s first session at the KSCA Navule Stadium. Under overcast skies, he delivered a masterclass in swing and precision, maintaining an impeccable line that troubled the opposition.
Resuming their first innings at 171/6, Goa required 201 more runs to avoid the follow-on. Kaverappa made an immediate impact, striking in the second over by inducing a crucial nick from Arjun Tendulkar, who had made a well-played 47 runs.
Mohit Redkar, with a score of 53, attempted a counter-attack, even smashing three sixes – two surprisingly off Kaverappa himself. However, his aggressive innings concluded when he miscued a short delivery from the Kodava bowler, offering a catch to wicketkeeper KL Shrijith.
Samar Dubhashi followed, chasing a wide delivery and nicking it to R. Smaran at third slip, which not only ended his innings but also completed Kaverappa’s impressive five-wicket haul – his first since February 2024.
Soon after, Vyshak delivered a decisive blow, sending his former teammate V. Koushik’s stumps cartwheeling to wrap up Goa’s first innings.
This outstanding performance will undoubtedly provide a massive confidence boost for Kaverappa, especially considering his long injury layoff last season which limited him to just one Ranji Trophy match. His return to form will also greatly uplift the team’s morale.
Remarkably, this was the 26-year-old pacer’s first red-ball game in almost nine months, and he candidly admitted to bowling at approximately 80% of his full potential.
“I wasn’t at my best,” Kaverappa stated. “I felt a little rusty in the beginning since I’m coming back from a long layoff. But it felt incredibly satisfying to contribute to the team and ensure we secured at least three points from this match.”
Next, Karnataka will journey to Thiruvananthapuram for their upcoming clash against Kerala.
SCOREBOARD
Karnataka (First Innings):
371 all out
Goa (First Innings; overnight 171/6):
- Arjun Tendulkar c Shrijith b Kaverappa 47
- Mohit Redkar c Shrijith b Kaverappa 53
- Samar Dubhashi c Smaran b Kaverappa 6
- V. Koushik b Vyshak 5
- Vijesh Prabhudesai (not out) 1
Extras (NB-1, B-3, LB-4, NB-5): 9
Total (all out; in 87.2 overs): 217
Fall of wickets: 7-185, 8-212, 9-213
Bowling: Vidwath Kaverappa 23-6-51-5, Abhilash Shetty 22-3-74-3, Yashovardhan Parantap 16-6-18-1, Vyshak Vijaykumar 18.2-2-53-1, Shreyas Gopal 8-2-13-0
Goa (Second Innings):
- Manthan Khutkar (not out) 55
- Suyash Prabhudessai lbw Vyshak 13
- Abhinav Tejrana (not out) 73
Extras (LB-2): 2
Total (1 wkt; 46 overs): 143
Fall of wicket: 1-20
Bowling: Kaverappa 8-2-12-0, Vyshak 8-1-33-1, Abhilash 7-1-20-0, Yashovardhan 7-2-20-0, Shreyas 9-1-28-0, Nikin Jose 7-0-28-0