Winning mojo is back, says J Arun Kumar

Bengaluru: “The sound of flights landing and taking off will be a big concern. Players will have to concentrate harder and not get irritated,” remarked Karnataka’s head coach J Arun Kumar with a small laugh as his men prepared to play Odisha in a Ranji Trophy Group B encounter starting Monday.

The team head into the tie with valuable tips from their coach who is well-acquainted with the conditions at Palam A Ground, Model Sports Complex in Delhi, having played at the ground during his days.

“I have played here for Air India and have told the players how the conditions could be. Consistency is important, individual and team, to continue the good run we are having,” he added.

The winning mojo is back in the Karnataka dressing room and they will look to extend their four-match winning streak. Following a rather dismal campaign in the previous season, the Vinay Kumar-led outfit seems to have annihilated any and all demons of the past.

Having chalked up 29 points from five games, the richest haul by any side in the competition so far, Karnataka head into their tie against Odisha with one foot already in the knockout stage.

And with his side set to play the three remaining group matches in parts of the country (Patiala and Mohali) where light, mist and seaming conditions are expected, JAK has left no stone unturned in preparing for the challenges.

“We have spoken about the seaming ball and the fading light and how to deal with these issues ideally. It’s very important to play positive on seaming wickets because the more you play negatively, your body gets stiff and cramped up when you don’t look for runs. Plus we want to continue playing our cricket,” stressed the 41-year-old.

While consistency has been the most quantifiable feature of the former champions this season, what’s equally prominent and noteworthy is the togetherness and teamwork. The fact that they have done so despite missing services of KL Rahul, Manish Pandey and Karun Nair’s caliber during different periods so far only makes it more impressive.

“We’ve planned very well and we gave lot of responsibility to the players to take ownership over winning and keeping the dressing room positive. And they have gone out and shared the responsibility of getting runs and wickets,” revealed JAK.

“If you see the top 10 of the season, we don’t have a batsman or bowler in the list. This is a team where everyone contributes. It’s a good time for Karnataka,” he signed off.