Roshan Thyagarajan

A DH journalist meets a former gangster in Pune. He left behind the world of crime to become an ultra-marathoner and the face of de-addiction programmes.

What this domestic cricket does for a cricketer, besides humbling them, is that it allows you to face some real quality spinners in the world and also run into some of the most driven cricketers you could come across.

Between December 23, 2024 and January 14, 2025, Karun scored 664 runs from six innings in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. Impressive as that is, Karun’s average - by virtue of five unbeaten innings - stands at a scarcely-believable 664.

While a number of these players are now regulars for the national side, their acumen when it comes to the shortest format of the sport will be put to the test.

Karnataka introduced as many as four debutants into this 50-over tournament, and while they were not as intimidating as rosters of old, they stuck to their roles and pulled off what skipper Mayank Agarwal referred to as one of their most rewarding triumphs.

Karnataka have two Ranji Trophy fixtures remaining for the season, the first of which will see them take on a Shubman Gill-infused Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy stadium from Thursday. The second challenge comes in the form of Haryana from January 30.

Smaran R led Karnataka's strong reply with the bat with an unbeaten 83 while R Kaushik claimed four wickets as Punjab were bowled out for 55 on the opening day.

Mayank Agarwal's men now have a little more reason to believe in the miracle that would put them in contention for qualification.

The BCCI, after accounting for India’s below-par quality in red-ball cricket for a few months now, issued a dictum to players, telling them to partake in domestic duties for their respective state sides when the time allows for it.

Karnataka were fourth on the table with 12 points and were all but out of contention for a spot in the quarterfinals. Now, they are second on the table with 19 points.