Kaverappa’s Stellar Return Propels Karnataka to Crucial Draw and Three Points

In a tightly contested 2025-26 Ranji Trophy Elite Group-B match, Karnataka’s Vidwath Kaverappa made a successful comeback, leading his team to a first-innings lead against Goa and securing three points at the KSCA Navule Stadium in Shivamogga on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old pacer’s career was on the rise until the 2024-25 season when multiple injuries limited him to just two First Class matches in a year. However, Kaverappa made a strong statement with a five-wicket haul against Goa (23-6-51-5), effectively dismantling their lower order. This performance was a reminder of what Karnataka missed last season and in their opening match of this campaign, where Saurashtra’s lower order had managed to eke out a narrow first-innings lead.

Kaverappa’s efforts restricted Goa to 217 runs, trailing Karnataka by 154. Asked to follow on, Goa was guided to 143 for one by Manthan Khutkar (55 not out) and Abhinav Tejrana (73 not out) before the match was drawn shortly after Tea.

Arjun Tendulkar, who resumed the day on 47, was caught behind off Kaverappa early in the morning session. Despite some resistance from Mohit Redkar, who hit three sixes, his attempt at another was caught by wicketkeeper K.L. Shrijith, dismissing him at 53. Samar Dubhashi was soon caught at third slip, and Vyshak cleaned up V. Koushik’s stumps.

In Goa’s second innings, Vyshak trapped Suyash Prabhudessai early, raising hopes for a win that ultimately did not materialize, as the game concluded under clear skies and a hint of afternoon sunshine. Karnataka sees this as a positive sign as they prepare to face Kerala away from home on November 1.

Published on Oct 28, 2025.