Ranji Trophy: Karnataka in need of win and good fortune against Punjab

BENGALURU: Vijay Hazare Trophy champions Karnataka find their chances of adding the Ranji Trophy title to their kitty this season in jeopardy. Their first two league fixtures — against Madhya Pradesh and Kerala — ended without completing the first innings. It earned them two measly points. That was followed by a win against Bihar, a draw with the first innings advantage lost to Bengal and three points from their match against Uttar Pradesh.
With the red-ball season resuming after a two-month break, during which two white-ball competitions were held, Karnataka have their backs to the wall. Failing to qualify for the knockouts is a distinct possibility.
The former champions are placed fourth in the table with 12 points and with two matches — against Punjab (11 pts) and current table-toppers Haryana (20 pts) — in hand. They will have to win both at the very least. Bonus points along the way will only strengthen their cause.
They will also hope for results from other matches to work in their favour. For example, Haryana and Bengal will have to play out a draw for Karnataka to stay in the race.
Coach Yere Goud said, “Having played two months of white-ball cricket, the players must adapt to the red ball quickly.”
With the youngsters adding fresh impetus to the campaign, Mayank Agarwal and his men will hope to finish with a flourish, irrespective of their place in the knockout.

For Punjab, Shubman Gill, who struggled in Australia first with an injury and then form and returned 93 runs in three matches will be in focus. The visitors are out of the reckoning with 11 points.