Karnataka batter R Samarth has decided to switch states ahead of the upcoming domestic season and will turn up for Uttarakhand. The right-hander made his First Class debut for Karnataka more than a decade ago, led them too, but has decided to explore a different opportunity.
The 31-year-old will be replacing Jiwanjot Singh and joins Aditya Tare and Swapnil Singh as the third professional player in the side.
Plenty of other established names also expressed their interest to play for Uttarakhand but Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) went experienced Samarth’s way as they wanted to bolster their red-ball set-up. Secretary Mahim Verma says Rahul Tripathi and Priyank Panchal also showed interest to play for the side.
“A lot of players showed their interest via our coaches and selectors but the Apex Council and all stake holders felt Samarth was the right choice for the side. Rahul Tripathi, Priyank Panchal were also discussed,” says Verma.
Apart from Tripathi and Panchal, the association also evaluated Agni Chopra, son of renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, but felt he lacked the experience to fill in the boots of domestic stalwart Singh.
The 25-year-old had an excellent run with Mizoram last season where he amassed 939 runs in just six games but the CAU Apex Council wasn’t keen on picking an inexperienced player as a professional.
The left-hander had a trial of sorts with the side during the recently concluded All India Gold Cup tournament in Dehradun and he had outings of 10 and 93 in the two fixtures Uttarakhand played. Verma is all praise for his talent but feels he needs more experience.
“Yes, we saw Agni Chopra. He also played for CAU in the Gold Cup tournament but the Apex Council members felt there wasn’t much experience. He has only played six first class matches and those too in the plate group. We were looking at Jiwanjot’s replacement, someone who has scored more than 5,000 First Class runs so wanted some experience,” explains Verma.
Additionally, Uttarakhand specifically had the Ranji Trophy in mind as the association was pleased with the way their white-ball teams are shaping up.
“Red ball was our focus during this signing. Our players have been shaping up well for white-ball tournaments and it was the red-ball tournament where we wanted to focus,” adds Verma.
The move looks a win-win situation for both Samarth and Uttarakhand at this stage as Karnataka are now looking to inject a lot of youngsters in the set-up and it was evident when they handed as many as seven debuts last season. Samarth had ordinary returns last season – 341 runs in 13 Ranji innings and 226 in 8 Vijay Hazare Trophy outings – and would have found it difficult to retain his spot this year.
Stay updated with the latest from T20 World Cup 2024. Explore T20 World Cup Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest-run getters and Highest Wicket-Takers In T20 World Cup 2024. Check T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours , Most Fifties And Most HundredsIn T20 World Cup 2024.
Comments
0 comment