Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Kaverappa returns with a bang to help Karnataka secure three points

Pacer Vidwath Kaverappa’s triumphant return for Karnataka helped secure the first-innings lead and the resultant three points, in a drawn 2025-26 Ranji Trophy Elite Group-B encounter against Goa, at the KSCA Navule Stadium in Shivamogga on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old’s career was on the ascendency prior to the 2024-25 season, but multiple injury setbacks came as cruel blows as he played just two First Class matches in 12 months.

With a fine five-wicket haul versus Goa (23-6-51-5), where he blew away the opposition’s lower-order, he showed what Karnataka had missed out on last season, and in the campaign-opener a fortnight ago, where Saurashtra’s last two wickets collected 58 runs and took a narrow four-run first-innings lead.

Kaverappa’s effort limited Goa to 217, 154 runs adrift of the home side. The visitor was asked to follow on, but Manthan Khutkar (55 n.o., 135b, 5×4) and Abhinav Tejrana (73 n.o., 126b, 9×4) carried Goa to 143 for one before truce was called just after Tea.

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First to go in the morning was overnight batter Arjun Tendulkar (47, 122b, 6×4, 1×6), caught behind off Kaverappa. Mohit Redkar, who had buckled down on day three to help Goa reach 171 fox six, turned belligerent, smashing Kaverappa and fellow speedster Vyshak for three sixes.

But another attempted maximum off Kaverappa brought about his downfall (53, 77b, 3×4, 3×6) as he too edged to wicket-keeper K.L. Shrijith. Samar Dubhashi was caught by R. Smaran at third slip in the same over before Vyshak sent old mate V. Koushik’s stumps cartwheeling.

When Goa returned for the second essay, Vyshak trapped Suyash Prabhudessai in front in the sixth over to raise hopes of a win, only for it to prove a mirage.

Ironically, a contest which saw significant chunks of playing time being lost to rain and bad light ended under clear skies and a dash of afternoon sunshine. A good omen, Karnataka would like to believe, ahead of the next tie away to Kerala from November 1.

Published on Oct 28, 2025