Ranji Trophy: Harbhajan Singh-led Punjab face stern test against Karnataka in semis
Punjab will hope to utilise home conditions in Mohali to stop the high-flying Karnataka to reach the final of the Ranji trophy for the first time in nine years.
Punjab would be looking to make the most of home conditions when they take on a formidable Karnataka side in the semifinal of the Ranji Trophy starting in Mohali on Saturday.
Harbhajan Singh-led Punjab were comprehensively beaten by Karnataka in the group stages in Hubli last month and would be keen on returning the favour when the two teams square off in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
The home team would expect Yuvraj Singh, who has been a proven match-winner, to play an important role in his team's cause. Harbhajan had impressed with the willow scoring 92 against Jammu & Kashmir but the senior off-spinner would also like to perform well with the ball.
Youngsters Jiwanjot Singh and Mandeep Singh, who hit a match-winning hundred against J&K, have steadied Punjab's batting during the season. The team would be also hoping for sizeable contributions from opener Manan Vohra and all-rounder Gurkeerat Singh. Punjab bowling attack would be led by pacer Sandeep Sharma who has 35 wickets from seven matches this season, while seamers Manpreet Gony and VRV Singh will be banked upon for their experience.
Karnataka, on the other hand, will be hoping that their talented opener KL Rahul, who has so far scored 869 runs, continues his red-hot form. Burly opener Robin Uthappa who returned to the team after recovering from his injury, will be a threat for the opposition after his attacking century against Uttar Pradesh in the quarterfinal.
Manish Pandey and Karun Nair also make up for a formidable line-up. However, the visitors will miss the services of their premier pacer HS Sharath who has been sidelined due to an injury along with top-order batsman Ravi Kumar Samarth.
Abhimanyu Mithun, highest wicket-taker for his side this season, would spearhead the Karnataka bowling unit in company of skipper Vinay Kumar. Last-year semifinalists Punjab, would be gunning for a spot in the final after nine years when they lost the title to Railways, while Karnataka, who were ousted in the last-eight stages in 2012-13, would like to move a step closer to their seventh cup.