Shreyas Gopal didn’t play a big role as Karnataka’s second spinner in this Ranji Trophy campaign. Shreyas has bowled just 48 overs in three games. In the ongoing match against Rajasthan at Alur (II) Cricket Stadium, the visitor’s first essay called Leg his spinner to bowling.
If Shreyas needed to make a difference, it had to come with the bat. The 29-year-old did just that on Wednesday, hitting a crucial 95 to effectively keep Rajasthan out of the game.
Shreya’s punches, peppered with clean on-drives and crisp cuts, made Karnataka an 8-for-380 by the end of the second day. The hosts are well ahead with 251 runs and are close to winning an innings.
Due to a poor shot, Shreya lost his chance to record his fifth first-class 100. Wide from Aniket Choudhary A cheeky push to his ball proved costly as the ball skidded to his Yash Kothari.
Shreyas gained confidence in his 109-run, 5-wicket partnership with Sharath Srinivas (42, 120b, 5×4).
Shreyas said he enjoys batting as much as bowling. “My debut season was the worst I’ve ever had with a racket. After that, I always wanted to contribute and prove myself as a hitter,” Shreyas said.
Commenting on limited bowling opportunities this season, Shreyas said: It was really nice to take wickets and that’s probably why we spinners didn’t come to the tournament,” Shreyas said.
Skipper Manish Pandey retired with an injury in the morning session after receiving a savage punch to his finger from fast bowler Arafat Khan. Pandey returned to the fold after Srinivas’ dismissal to provide reliable company for Shreyas. Pandey was undeterred by his injury and was undefeated with 75 points.