Bengaluru: With five wins, two draws and one loss in their eight group encounters, Karnataka have hit the high road that they are known to traverse on, after a disappointing performance the previous season.
The eight-time Ranji Trophy champions have overcome injuries, a dip in form and absence of key members during various stages this season and have come out unscathed for the most part, except for two bad results towards the end of the league stage.
Ahead of the quarterfinals, the R Vinay Kumar-led side are itching to recapture past glory. With either Haryana or Tamil Nadu as potential last-eight opponents and a potential venue in either Baroda or Vizag depending on the draw, coach J Arun Kumar claimed his side was preparing for all eventualities.
“There are two grounds in Baroda and Vizag. Because of rains it’s not been finalised. We’ll be playing in either of those two states but not sure which city,” said JAK, as he is known as.
“In training, we had a wicket which is seaming and there is a rank turner also here. We want to be mentally prepared for both and cover all the angles,” he added.
The former Karnataka batsman admitted that the dip in form was a good wake-up call for the team ahead of the knockouts. “We were trying few combinations to see what’s best for knockouts. But you have to agree that we didn’t play particularly well in the spinning track in Patiala. So it was a good introspection for the team. We knew where our shortcomings are and we are trying to strengthen that,” he remarked.
“We are not going to change our game or be negative (in the quarters). It’s a five-day game so there is always a chance to come back in the second innings.”
While there have been some standout performances this season, the fact that the performers have been varied, has been key to the team’s success. Newcomers such as Kaunain Abbas, Pavan Deshpande among others have walked into the team in place of established hands and more than held their own, showing the depth of talent the state has to offer.
“We were mentally prepared to lose two-three guys during the season. But we had good backup plans and good bench strength,” revealed the 41-year-old.
“Whoever’s been given a chance has done well. These guys know that if you step in, they better be on their toes because they are playing for a huge and prestigious state. It’s not that they should fit into the team, they have to belong!” Arun stressed.
