Ranji Trophy: Shreyas reminds his class with crucial four-for after scoring 71 against Maharashtra
For Shreyas Gopal, Day Two of Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy Group B clash against Maharashtra at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium was a reminder of his enduring class — both as a cricketer and as a professional who refuses to be defined by missed opportunities.
After scoring a crucial 71 to help Karnataka post 313, Shreyas returned to spin a web around Maharashtra’s middle order, claiming four wickets for 46 runs, tilting the contest in his team’s favour.
His thoughtful variations and patience on a largely placid pitch stood out.
Among his scalps, the dismissal of Maharashtra captain Ankeet Bawane was the most satisfying for the all-rounder.
“He knows how I bowl, and I know how he bats,” Shreyas explained. “He is a very good player of spin, so I had to disguise it as well as I could.
“I wanted him to either go for the paddle or the cover drive when I bowled the googly — and when he went for the sweep, it fell perfectly into my plan.”
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Though his bowling continues to make an impression, Shreyas insists he values his batting equally.
“Whenever I have the bat in my hand, I want to make 50 or 100 runs. I was looking good today, but we lost a few wickets, so I had to take some chances,” he said. “With the ball, I have been in good rhythm for the last three or four years — that’s something I want to keep taking forward.”
Despite consistent domestic performances for over a decade, an India cap has eluded the 32-year-old. Yet, there is no trace of bitterness.
“You can’t be frustrated,” Shreyas said. “You have to be grateful — a lot of people would want the wickets, runs, and years I have had. What’s in my control is turning up every day, being disciplined, being a good human being, and a tough cricketer on the field.”
Published on Nov 09, 2025
