In-form batting line-up gives freedom to the bowlers, says Padikkal

: Karnataka may not have had as sensational a victory as Jammu & Kashmir in its Ranji Trophy semifinal, but captain Devdutt Padikkal said that overcoming Uttarakhand – by virtue of the first-innings lead – will hold his side in good stead ahead of Tuesday’s final.

The eight-time champion totalled as many as 1059 runs to drown Uttarakhand, with the captain himself notching up his highest First Class score of 232.

“Scoring over 1000 runs is definitely a big confidence boost,” the 25-year-old said on Monday. “Not just the batsmen but for the bowlers too. Knowing that the batting line-up is able to put on a show like that gives them confidence and the freedom to really enjoy themselves with the ball.”

Padikkal expressed hope that the Hubballi wicket will be as run-filled. In its last four visits to the crease here across three matches, Karnataka has scored in excess of 500 thrice. Two of those contests have ended in victories and it has taken the first-innings lead in the other.

The home team also has a 4-0 win-loss record against J & K in the Ranji Trophy.

“Looks like a good pitch,” Padikkal observed. “We have always enjoyed playing in Hubballi. It is a beautiful city to play cricket in. Hopefully, it will be good for us.”