Robin boost for depleted Karnataka

Bangalore: Billed as strong contenders, Karnataka haven't been able to transform their potential into ability and as they go into their third Group 'A' Ranji Trophy encounter against Vidarbha, the depleted C.M. Gautam-led side will look to the youngsters to show them the path in what has been a rocky start to their campaign.

Having been forced to eat humble pie with Gujarat snatching the first innings lead in the previous encounter, Karnataka, missing the services of regular skipper R. Vinay Kumar, away on national duty and the in-form Stuart Binny, out for two weeks with a knee injury, will, however, welcome back Robin Uthappa, returning from a hamstring injury.

“It was a problem that I have had to bear with since the IPL,“ said Uthappa ahead of his first Ranji match this season. Up against Vidarbha, who have seven points from three games to their four from two, Karnataka are also likely to hand spinner Abrar Kazi a debut in what could be a two-pace, twospin attack comprising two left-arm tweakers.

While Vidarbha may not instill fear in their opponents, playing in their backyard gives Shalabh Sriva-stava's team the edge and Karnataka will have to get their act together if their season has to gain momentum.
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