Ranji Trophy 2017/18: Karnataka Release KL Rahul For India Duty Again
May 24, 2023 at 3:58 PM
Karnataka have released Indian batsman KL Rahul for India duty. The right-handed batsman did well in the previous game for his state against Delhi as he played an innings of 92 in the second innings before he ran out himself.
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Karnataka, who gained a lead of 348 runs at the end of two innings in the game, opted to bat again and made Delhi fielders toil. Karnataka ended the game with a score of 235/3 and a total lead of 536 runs. KL Rahul’s absence is undoubtedly a big loss for the team.
Though the team will continue to get the services of Manish Pandey, vice-captain Karun Nair, captain R Vinay Kumar, all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham and all other star players.
Meanwhile, the continued absence of Sreenath Aravind is surely something which has drawn limelight. The left-arm pacer could have been a member of the side, but a brilliant performance from Abhimanyu Mithun has ensured that he gets the preference over others.
Karnataka are currently placed at the top of the points table in Group A with three wins in four matches, along with 23 points. Though they failed to defeat Delhi in the previous game a first innings meant that they remained at the top of the tables, in the battle of number 1 position against Rishab Pant led side.
The R Vinay Kumar led side has almost confirmed a place in the next round and a win or first innings lead will bolster their chances of qualifying for the next round. They will miss services of Manish Pandey in the quarter-finals as he would join Indian team for the limited overs series against Sri Lanka.
Karnataka will face Suresh Raina led Uttar Pradesh in their next contest in Kanpur from November 17. From there, the same team will travel to Delhi to face Mahesh Rawat led Railways at Karnail Singh Stadium in the last league stage game of the tournament.
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