PANAJI
After settling for a draw with hosts Goa, Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal seemed quite content with the overall performance of his side in the Ranji Trophy match and this season as well.
"Considering the way we played, we batted and scored 600 runs, I am very, very happy. The batsmen played and applied themselves. We spoke about this in the batters' team meeting about when batsmen are set, they get big runs," the senior statesman of the team said.
"Samarth has been doing a fantastic job for us with three back-to-back hundreds for him and a double hundred for Manish (Pandey). Vishal Onat got a good 90 and I got three back-to-back fifties. On this wicket to get them (Goa) out for 370-odd was good," the India international said.
"I thought the bowlers had to really bend their back and they put in the effort. All in all, I felt the intent with which we played through the four days and wanting to play for a result was something we were very keen on. I am very happy with the way we played and the intent we showed," Agarwal added.
To a question put forth by 'The Goan', the seasoned opener admitted his State side is undergoing a transitory phase. "We are going through a bit of transition but it does not feel like that with the kind of intensity we are playing with and the youngsters coming in. Vidwath (Kaverappa) is really putting in some quality performances, Vyshakh, Vishal (Onat) and even Nikin (Jose) are doing well. We are really doing really well and I am very happy. In the games to come, we look forward to hearing more from them," Agarwal said.
Speaking of Pandey's masterly 208* in the Porvorim match, Agarwal effused praise. "Playing 100 First Class games is an achievement by itself and for him (Manish Pandey)to get a double hundred in that is fantastic. He looked in very good touch and the shots he played were very good. I just feel because of the way he played, we could get 15-20 extra overs in the game."
Speaking of the Goa side, Agarwal knew he expected a quality side they would be up against. "Very honestly I think they (Goa) are a good side. We have not underestimated any side. We do give our respects to each team and we prepare to play tough, hard cricket. Having seen some of the scores (in Porvorim) before coming into this game, it obviously is a high-scoring ground and we knew we have to work really hard and I am proud of the fact that we did," the 31-year-old seasoned campaigner said.
In the absence of pacer Ronit More for a larger part of the game, Agarwal admitted it was not easy with the key bowler unavailable. "When you are a bowler short it is not easy. And with the kind of spell he bowled in the first innings it was amazing to see him as a senior player take the responsibility, and come and bowl those overs. Just not bowling tight overs, but keeping the pressure as well. But credit to the other bowlers for their effort, in taking up the mantle and still putting that pressure, and putting the ball in good areas."
