Jammu & Kashmir continued their dominance on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka. They reached a formidable 527/6, effectively batting the 8-times champions out of the contest. However, the day will be remembered for a shocking on-field physical altercation from the game itself.
The day started with Jammu & Kashmir resuming on 284/2. Shubham Pundir, the overnight centurion, could add only four runs to his tally before being dismissed for 121. His innings remains the foundation of the massive runs by Jammu & Kashmir. Paras Dogra, the J&K captain who was retired hurt yesterday, resumed his batting on Day 2 and steadied the middle-order after the dismissal of the set batters in Pundir and Abdul Samad (61). He scored a gritty 70 off 166 balls, anchoring a 108-run stand with Kanhaiya Wadhawan (71).
Later Sahil Lotra (50*) joined the party to add some quick runs to make things even worse for the Karnataka bowlers. Lotra was aggressive, helping the Jammu & Kashmir cross the 500-run mark just before the rain and bad light shortened the play for the Day.
For Karnataka bowlers, it was yet another tiring day on the field- a day of relentless, unrewarding labour. Prasidh Krishna (3/59) was the only bowler that looked threatening, using his height to extract bounce from a surface that began to act as a batter’s paradise. In fact, by the time, Lotra took the charge, Karnataka spirit seemed to have disappeared.
The controversy
Amidst the run-fest, the day was overshadowed by a controversy involving the J&K captain Paras Dogra and Karnataka substitute fielder KV Aneesh. In the 101st over, Dogra, a veteran of 27 domestic seasons, lost his cool after being greeted by a barrage of short-pitched bowling.
After an edge off Prasidh Krishna flew to the boundary, words were exchanged with substitute fielder KV Aneesh at forward short leg. In a shocking turn of events, Dogra charged at the youngster and delivered a headbutt while still wearing his helmet. The incident sparked a saw Karnataka’s senior players, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal getting engaged in a heated exchange with Dogra. Although an apology was offered at the end of the over, the tension could be felt throughout the day’s play.
Despite the controversy, the way Jammu & Kashmir batted through the day showed their determination to tighten their grip on their maiden Ranji Trophy final. With 527 already on board, J&K are the favourites and ready to enter Day 3 with full control.
Brief Scores: Jammu & Kashmir 527 for 6 (Pundir 121, Yawer 88, Wadhawan 71, Dogra 70, Samad 61, Lotra 50*, Prasidh 3-90) vs Karnataka
