Kruthik, Shikhar picked in Karnataka Ranji squad

Wicketkeeper-batter Kruthik Krishna and left-arm spinner Shikhar Shetty have been rewarded with spots in Karnataka’s 15-man squad for its Ranji Trophy opener towards Saurashtra in Rajkot from October 15.

The duo turned in fantastic performances within the just lately concluded Dr (Capt.) Okay. Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament, with Kruthik starring in KSCA Secretary’s XI’s run to the ultimate by scoring 349 runs (together with 4 half-centuries), and Shikhar, 20, taking 20 wickets for KSCA Colts from three matches.

Spin has been an space of concern for Mayank Agarwal & Co. within the current previous. While the seasoned Shreyas Gopal would be the chief, belief has been reposed within the likes of Shikhar and one other younger off-break bowler in 22-year-old Mohsin Khan, who debuted final season and performed two matches.

Left-arm spinner Hardik Raj, 19, has been not noted after a lacklustre efficiency within the Thimmappiah Tournament, the place he took simply three wickets from two matches.

Expectedly, National workforce gamers like Okay.L. Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and Prasidh Krishna have been not noted, for the competition will begin only a day after the second Test between India and the West Indies concludes in Delhi.

The squad: Mayank Agarwal (Capt.), Karun Nair, R. Smaran, Okay.L. Shrijith (wk), Okay.V. Aneesh, Abhinav Manohar, Nikin Jose, V. Vyshak, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shreyas Gopal, Kruthik Krishna (wk), Shikar Shetty, Mohsin Khan, Abhilash Shetty, M. Venkatesh.