HUBBALLI: Over a decade ago, four youngsters played a key role in shaping one of the most dominant phases in Karnataka cricket team history. KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shreyas Gopal and Mayank Agarwal were part of the golden era during which Karnataka won successive Ranji Trophy titles in 2013-14 and 2014-15. As the eight-time champions prepare for their 15th final appearance at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium here, starting Tuesday, that journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder.
Months before that 2014-15 title, Rahul had broken into India’s Test side in an away series in Australia. Karun and Mayank followed, their red-ball consistency earning national call-ups. Shreyas, still in pursuit of India colours, has evolved into a dependable all-round mainstay.
The youngsters in the squad, including skipper Devdutt Padikkal, most of whom were making their mark at the inter-school level during Karnataka’s last title run, will look to blend their youth and pedigree when Karnataka take on first-time finalists Jammu and Kashmir.
If Karnataka carry the aura of history, J&K have arrived with hunger and purpose. Their campaign has been built on resilience and performance under pressure. Head coach Ajay Sharma has overseen a steady rise, while veteran skipper Paras Dogra is relishing a late-career high after nearly 25 years in the domestic grind.
Under the harsh Hubballi sun, the contest could revolve around how Karnataka’s celebrated batting line-up negates J&K’s disciplined attack.
Red-hot pacer Aquib Nabi has been outstanding with 55 wickets, while left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar (29 wickets) has provided sustained pressure. Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq (26 wickets) adds variety and control.
Karnataka’s own resurgence has been dramatic. Their season appeared to be drifting before a stunning 250-run chase in just 28 overs against Punjab in their final league outing reignited belief. Since then, victories over Mumbai and Uttarakhand have underlined their momentum heading into the final.
Under the harsh Hubballi sun, the batting spotlight will be on the four Test batters in the line-up and R Smaran’s prolific season (950 runs), which has been equally significant. The 22-year-old southpaw’s unbeaten 227 against Chandigarh at this venue earlier in the season demonstrated his temperament and appetite for long innings. Shreyas, wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna and medium pacer Vidhyadhar Patil add further batting depth.
Prasidh Krishna will have to weigh in with his experience from his time in the Indian dressing room to marshal the bowling resources.
That said, numbers and pedigree tell only part of the story. J&K have upset more fancied opponents. Nabi’s century and gritty 42 in the semifinal against Bengal highlighted their depth, while Abdul Samad (655 runs), Dogra, Abid Mushtaq and Kanhaiya Wadhawan have formed the backbone of a batting unit.
The visiting side were dealt a double injury scare on match eve as opener Shubham Khajuria suffered a lower back spasm and had to be stretched out of the ground, while all-rounder Vanshaj Sharma picked up an ankle injury during warmup. On the other hand, the home team skipper Devdutt Padikkal, who was laid low by a split webbing on his right hand during the semifinals, said he was fit to play.
With fitness concerns on the visiting side and the pitch conditions, the team combinations could throw up some surprises and it wouldn’t be out of place to think that a spin-heavy bowling attack could well be on the cards.
On paper, Karnataka — winners of two of the four previous meetings — hold the edge, but their storied domestic history will be countered by the belief of a largely young J&K team.
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