Karnataka have called up their star players KL Rahul, and Karun Nair for the third round of Ranji Trophy matches beginning October 24, against Hyderabad in Shimoga.
Both the players are currently plying their trade for Board President’s XI against New Zealand. The teams will be playing two warm-up games one of which has been already played on Tuesday ( October 17). Both the batsmen impressed in the game, scoring fluent half-centuries as Board President’s XI registered a comfortable 30-run win over the visitors. The next warm-up game will be played on Thursday (October 19) before the three-match One-Day International series starts on October 22.
Welcoming the duo, Karnataka skipper R Vinay Kumar said:
“Having Rahul and Karun is a big boost for Karnataka. Rahul has cemented his place in the Indian team while Karun is also doing well. The sight of their names on the team sheet will put opponents under pressure.”
Meanwhile, Rahul, who scored 68 in the first warm-up game, will be eyeing a successful outing in the upcoming game and the Ranji Trophy game to return to India’s limited-overs team after being surprisingly dropped for the forthcoming series against New Zealand.
Rahul was tried at number four in Sri Lanka, and although he failed to fire, he was retained for the Australia series. However, he did not get a single game under his belt before being axed.
Speaking on his exclusion, a BCCI official had told ESPNcricinfo that there was no particular reason behind the batsman’s ouster.
“Karthik’s inclusion is a reward for the runs he has been scoring,” the BCCI had said.. “There is no particular reason [behind Rahul’s omission] because Ajinkya [Rahane] has done well as an opener. He (Rahul) will play Board President’s XI or the Ranji Trophy. What’s the point in him just being in the squad and not playing? We will see how it goes [as far as his batting position is concerned]. Because, as of now, this is the best combination.
On the other hand, Nair will also be looking to do well to get back into the Indian team.
Only the second Indian triple-centurion in Tests, Nair was dropped from the team after his poor show against Australia earlier this year.