Despite their rich cricketing heritage and abundant talent, the Karnataka team has recently found itself missing that crucial winning instinct. Over the years, they’ve consistently reached the Ranji Trophy knockouts but haven’t secured a title since the 2014-15 season. There have been numerous instances where they’ve failed to dominate matches and close them out effectively.
Karnataka’s Vidwath Kaverappa and V. Vyshak during a practice session before their Ranji Trophy match against Goa in Shivamogga.
Their recent season opener against Saurashtra perfectly illustrated this struggle. Karnataka allowed their opponents to add a vital 58 runs for the final two wickets, gave away 35 costly extras, and ultimately conceded a narrow four-run first-innings lead in what ended as a drawn game.
As Mayank Agarwal and his squad prepare to take on Goa at the KSCA Navule Stadium this Saturday – marking the first Ranji match here since February 2020 – the pressure is on them to perform with greater precision and decisiveness.
Karnataka players engaging in a training session ahead of their Ranji Trophy encounter with Goa in Shivamogga.
Shivamogga is currently experiencing heavy rainfall, and Karnataka will be desperately hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s misfortune when inclement weather limited them to just two points from their initial two matches. They understand the need to capitalize fully on every moment of clear weather.
To achieve this, the return of their formidable pace bowling duo, V. Vyshak and Vidwath Kaverappa, will be a significant boost. Additionally, leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal, who began the season spectacularly with career-best figures of eight for 110 and a half-century (56), will be keen to maintain his exceptional form.
However, the team will miss Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a valuable 96 against Saurashtra. He has been called up to the India-A squad for their upcoming series against South Africa-A, starting October 30 in Bengaluru.
Mayank Agarwal and Vidhwath Kaverappa at a training session before Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy match against Goa in Shivamogga.
Meanwhile, Goa, fresh off their return to the Elite competition after a year in the Plate division, has shown excellent preparation, securing an impressive innings-and-75-run victory over Chandigarh.
Goa has managed to draw their last two encounters against Karnataka, and they will undoubtedly draw upon the experience of pacer V. Koushik and assistant coach Dodda Ganesh, both of whom have previous ties with the South Indian cricketing powerhouse. Their strong performance as semi-finalists in the recent Dr. (Capt.) K. Thimmappiah Memorial red-ball tournament further highlights their potential. Another strong showing in this match would greatly boost their confidence and standing.