Karun Nair: 'We've the team to win all three formats every year'

Karnataka skipper Karu Nair lauded his team for putting up a spirited show in the Vijay Hazare final against Saurashtra on Tuesday.

For a little while now, Karnataka has shown the consistency not seen for a long time in domestic cricket.

For a little while now, Karnataka has shown the consistency not seen for a long time in domestic cricket. Therefore, it did not come as a surprise when it beat Saurashtra by 41 runs in the Vijay Hazare final, clinching its third title in the last five years.

Skipper Karun Nair was obviously elated with the showing. “I’m very much satisfied with the team’s performance. We were really eager to win it. Throughout the 2017-18 season, we did really well. It’s just that we reached the important stages but couldn’t capitalize. But I know, we have the team to win all three formats every year.”

READ: Vijay Hazare final: Mayank stars in Karnataka’s third title

'Wanted to win for Aravind'

On left-arm medium pacer S. Aravind’s decision to retire from first-class cricket, Nair said, “We all were very disappointed when we learnt of his decision last evening. We wanted him to continue playing. But it’s his decision, so I think we should respect it. We wanted to win this (trophy) for him.”

Reflecting on the final, Nair said the total of 253 was defendable. “Any total in a final is defendable because there’s always pressure batting second. I’ll say that we were 20-30 runs short but still, it (253) was a challenging total.”

Asked whether he was surprised by Cheteshwar Pujara’s late charge, Nair admitted, “Quite surprised. All of a sudden, he went after our bowlers, put us under some pressure. But we were always in the game.”

READ: Mayank Agarwal: ‘Selection not in our control’

Saurashtra's Achilles Heel

Pujara, on his part, said, “The total was very chaseable. We lost too many wickets in the middle, that’s why we lost today. (Ravindra) Jadeja not bowling did hurt us, but he has a side strain and can’t bowl at this stage. His batting and fielding is still an advantage for the team.

Mayank Agarwal, whose took this record aggregate in the competition to 723 following a fine 90, said, “Throughout the tournament, I’ve been doing the same things. It was just the belief factor. Once I settle down, I want to score big. I have been batting well. I just want to continue my good form.”

Asked how he received the news of not being picked for India’s upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, the youngster said, “To be really honest, my focus remains totally on what is in my control.”