A consistent run-scorer for Karnataka in the domestic circuit, Samarth will take over captaincy from Karun Nair, who led the side in the recently concluded 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, the newly appointed Karnataka skipper shed light on his thoughts about the new role and the challenge that lies ahead.
For the upcoming 2021 edition of the domestic 50-over competition, which is reported to commence on February 20th, the defending champions will be without the services of last season’s captain Manish Pandey and the duo of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.
Also read: Ravikumar Samarth named captain of 22-man Karnataka squad for 2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy
Despite the absence of some big names, Samarth believes the time is ripe for youngsters in the team to step up and make an impact.
Also read - Vyshak Vijaykumar 2.0: Fitter and stronger, Karnataka pacer ready for breakthrough season
Karnataka have handed maiden call-ups to pacer Vyshak Vijaykumar and prodigious batsman Nikin Jose, while wicket-keeper batsman Rakshith Shivkumar has found a spot in the 22-member squad too.
“Hope to see youngsters cultivate the winning habit” - R Samarth
Karnataka are one of the most successful teams in Vijay Hazare Trophy history, having won the title on four occasions. Karnataka’s first title win came in the 2013-14 season, and that was followed up by a victorious campaign in the very next edition.
Karun Nair led Karnataka to their third title in the 2017-18 tournament, two seasons before a famous 1-run win over Tamil Nadu in the final of the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Referring to the key to Karnataka’s success in the tournament, Samarth is eager to see the fresh blood inducted into the team settle into the team culture right away.
On a personal level, the 28-year-old Karnataka captain is itching to get back on the field for the tournament, having missed the entire 2019-20 season due to injury. Ahead of the grueling challenge, Samarth claims he’s in a good space and is eager to do well with the bat for his side.
From 32 List A matches thus far, Samarth has notched up 1168 runs at an average of 41.71. With four centuries and six half-centuries to his name, Samarth will hope to lead from the front and get some runs under his belt in the 2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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