Lucknow: In a world dominated by right-handers, being left-handed brings a certain novelty and freshness. Karnataka, a team historically associated with classic right-handed greats, showcased the beauty of left-handers as three left-handers – Devdutt Padikkal, R Smaran and Kruthik Krishna – dictated the terms of the game at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Led by skipper Padikkal’s maiden double hundred (232; 330b; 29×4, 3×6) and Smaran’s stunning unbeaten 121 (191b; 11×4), Karnataka posted a mammoth 689 against Uttarakhand to cement their grip on the Ranji Trophy semi-finals. The eight-time champions restarted with an impressive 355/2 and added 344 runs the next day, losing four wickets in the process and leaving the opposition chasing leather for most of the day.
Padikkal, who ended the first day with an unbeaten 148, quickly took control. He breezed through 52 deliveries in the morning session, effortlessly surpassing his previous career best of 193 against Punjab in Hubballi in January 2024. His batting combines authority with grace – clean strokes through cover and controlled flicks.
At the other end, Karun Nair (60), who looked poised for a century, fell mid-match. He tried to guide a long-on delivery from Abhay Negi but snuck past wicketkeeper Saurabh Rawat at the back, ending a precious 129-run defense.
The dismissal left Karnataka’s season-leading Smaran in trouble. What follows is arguably the most enjoyable stretch of the game. With two left-handers at the crease, Karnataka’s batting pace was symmetrical. Smalan was a much calmer performer, effortlessly taking turns at bats and punishing any loose balls, while Padikkar continued to unfurl his batting with confidence.
Padikkal reached his double century in 288 deliveries. It was a landmark innings marked by composure and command. However, in an anti-climax, he soon collapsed. As he tried to fend off 17-year-old Lakshya Raichandani through his legs, he leaned towards the wicketkeeper to hand the youngster his maiden first-class wicket.
Shrias Gopal followed but failed to score, bowled by Aditya Rawat, to give Uttarakhand a brief respite.
But Smaland ensured the momentum would not change. Along with wicketkeeper-batsman Kruthik (60), he scored 118 runs in a contrasting partnership. Krutik’s approach is bold, often high-flying in delivery and dangerous in his life. In contrast, Smalan relies on timing and positioning, dissecting the pitch with precision and coolness.
Just before tea, Krutik tried to defend Avnish Souda but ended up getting injured at his stumps. Yet this day belongs firmly to Karnataka.
Smaran scored his fifth first-class hundred off just 150 deliveries in the company of Vidyadhar Patil (35 wickets) – a composed and mature innings that underlined his growing stature. The pair made it through the day without further harm.
Karnataka’s southpaw skills overwhelmed Uttarakhand in a relentless wave of runs and provided little help on the ground.
scoreboard
Karnataka (1st innings; o/n 355/2): Devdutt Padikkal c S Rawat b Raichandani 232, Karun Nair c S Rawat b Negi 60, R Smaran (batting) 121, Shreyas Gopal b A Rawat 0, Kruthik Krishna b Sudha 60, Vidhyadhar Patil (batting) 35. (NB-5; W-8; B-11; LB-6; Pen 5) 24. Total (6 weeks; 180 rounds) 689.
Wickets fell: 3-425, 4-484, 5-485, 6-608.
Bowling: Abhay Negi 26-4-99-1, Janmejay Joshi 29-5-94-0, Aditya Rawat 29-3-132-3, Mayank Mishra 38-1-167-0, J. Sussis 10-0-43-0, Avnish Souda 35-2-107-1, Lakshay Raichandani 10-1-25-1.
