Jak, Mak usher in feel-good factor

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A side bustling with talent, a unit which has covered all the bases fairly well and a team brimming with positive energy... Karnataka embark on yet another Ranji Trophy campaign in two days’ time, surely as firm title contenders optimistic of breaking a 13–year title drought.

Having as many as nine players in the 15-member squad — which will depart for Baroda early on Wednesday – from the Ranji final three seasons ago, the six-time champions aren’t short on experience.

The only notable and welcome change from the previous season is in the team think-tank, with the Ranji-winning duo of J.Arun Kumar and Mansur Ali Khan stepping in as batting and bowling coach respectively.

The feedback from the players is encouraging with the JAK-MAK pair ushering in a more relaxed atmosphere conducive for `free' communication, a critical factor at the first-class level where the ability to handle pressure-cooker situations are as crucial as cricket-specific skills.

The trauma of a shock quarterfinal defeat at the hands of Haryana on home turf last season remains but the R. Vinay Kumar-led side heads into this season with unmistakable confidence.

With the likes of Robin Uthappa, K.B. Pawan, Ganesh Satish, Manish Pandey, Amit Verma and Stuart Binny in the ranks, batting certainly seems to the team's forte. “Batsmen need to score big in the first innings because that sets the tempo for the game.

The three away games to start with will help because the batsmen will be prepared mentally to tackle unfamiliar conditions,” pointed out Arun.

Two international pacers in Vinay and Abhimanyu Mithun give bowling the cutting edge and left-arm spinner K.P. Appanna faces another test of character.

Mansur, who feels that the team has one of the best bowling attacks in the country, talked about the strengths.

“Vinay has led from the front with aplomb for the past several years and Mithun has enhanced his pace of late. But the most improved bowler is Binny who is more consistent than anybody in hitting the right areas, an inevitable aspect to create pressure on the rival batsmen. Also, Amit Verma has impressed really well with his leg-spin and could prove more than handy,” noted Mansur.

Lack of killer instinct and dropped catches hurt Karnataka bad last season and the coaches have worked hard on these areas. “We have worked hard on attitude of players and the focus is to keep the motivation level high all the time. Light mode of sledging, constant cheering etc. would translate into an aggressive form of cricket as well,” felt Mansur.

“For such a young side, fielding has to be sharp. At the tournaments in the run-up to Ranji, some excellent catches were taken, both close-in and in the outfield. That’s an encouraging sign,” added Arun.