Pacer Vidwath Kaverappa marked his return to competitive cricket with a sensational performance for Karnataka, securing a crucial first-innings lead and three vital points in a drawn Ranji Trophy Elite Group-B match against Goa. The exciting encounter took place at the KSCA Navule Stadium.
The 26-year-old’s burgeoning career had faced a significant setback before the 2024-25 season due to multiple injuries, limiting him to just two First Class appearances over the past year. However, his dominant five-wicket haul against Goa (5/51 from 23 overs), where he dismantled the opposition’s lower-order, highlighted precisely what Karnataka had been missing. This exceptional effort was particularly impactful, especially after Saurashtra’s tail-enders managed to steal a narrow four-run first-innings lead in Karnataka’s campaign opener.
Kaverappa’s spell restricted Goa to just 217 runs in their first innings, leaving them 154 runs behind Karnataka’s total of 371. Forced to follow on, Goa displayed remarkable resilience in their second innings. Manthan Khutkar (55 not out off 135 balls, 5×4) and Abhinav Tejrana (73 not out off 126 balls, 9×4) showcased impressive grit, guiding Goa to 143 for one before both teams agreed to a draw shortly after tea on the final day.
“I approached my injury lay-off as an opportunity for an off-season. My goal was to build strength and increase my pace. That’s how I kept myself focused and driven,” Kaverappa shared.
The morning session saw Arjun Tendulkar (47 runs off 122 balls, 6×4, 1×6) caught behind off Kaverappa, ending his overnight stay at the crease. Mohit Redkar, who had previously shown great composure on day three to help Goa reach 171 for six, then unleashed a flurry of big shots, striking three sixes against Kaverappa and fellow speedster Vyshak. However, another ambitious attempt at a maximum off Kaverappa resulted in Redkar (53 runs off 77 balls, 3×4, 3×6) also edging to wicket-keeper K.L. Shrijith. Samar Dubhashi fell in the same over, caught at third slip by R. Smaran, before Vyshak cleanly bowled V. Koushik.
When Goa began their second innings, Vyshak quickly trapped Suyash Prabhudessai leg before wicket in the sixth over, momentarily sparking hopes of an outright victory for Karnataka. However, Khutkar and Tejrana’s steadfast partnership dashed those hopes, ensuring the match concluded in a draw.
Ironically, a match often interrupted by rain and poor light concluded under a bright, clear afternoon sky. Karnataka will be hoping this is a positive sign as they prepare for their upcoming away fixture against Kerala on November 1.
Match Summary:
Karnataka — 1st innings: 371.
Goa — 1st innings: 217 all out (87.2 overs)
- Manthan Khutkar c Shrijith b Abhilash 9
- Suyash Prabhudessai c Shrijith b Kaverappa 12
- Abhinav Tejrana c Jose b Kaverappa 18
- Snehal Kauthankar c Shrijith b Abhilash 10
- Lalit Yadav c Parantap b Abhilash 36
- Darshan Misal c Karun b Parantap 12
- 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) 0
- Extras: 9 (b-3, lb-5, nb-1)
Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-29, 3-47, 4-51, 5-100, 6-115, 7-185, 8-212, 9-213.
Karnataka bowling: Kaverappa 23-6-51-5, Abhilash 22-3-74-3, Parantap 16-6-18-1, Vyshak 18.2-2-53-1, Shreyas 8-2-13-0.
Goa — 2nd innings: 143 for one (46 overs)
- Manthan Khutkar (not out) 55
- Suyash Prabhudessai lbw b Vyshak 13
- Abhinav Tejrana (not out) 73
- Extras: 2 (lb-2)
Fall of wicket: 1-20.
Karnataka bowling: Kaverappa 8-2-12-0, Vyshak 8-1-33-1, Abhilash 7-1-20-0, Parantap 7-2-20-0, Shreyas 9-1-28-0, Jose 7-0-28-0.