Karnataka's promising batsman Mir Kaunain Abbas was in the State squad for couple of matches during last season's Ranji Trophy. The right-hander though didn't receive an opportunity to make his debut.
Abbas, however, earned his chances in the playing eleven in Karnataka's first match of this season against Jharkhand, and the youngster grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
Batting in the middle-order, ahead of senior team-mates like Stuart Binny and CM Gautam, Abbas struck two composed half-centuries to help his team build on middle-order's recovery act. With scores of 55 and 51 n.o., Abbas became the second Karnataka player to slam two half-centuries on debut after Mithun Beerala (1999-2000, against Andhra).
In both the innings, Abbas paced his knocks to perfection and remained composed to forge useful partnerships with his respective partners to help Karnataka reach a position of strength.
With consistent performances in the KSCA league circuit, Abbas has been in the reckoning for a place in the State senior side for the last two years. The 26-year-old, following a successful outing with his club Bangalore Occasionals in the Group I, Division I league for the Sir Mirza Ismail Shield, made it to the Karnataka Ranji probables. Abbas' solid technique on a seaming track at the RSI ground during Karnataka's Ranji camp impressed head coach J Arun Kumar.
"During a practice match at the RSI ground, most of the batsmen struggled on a surface that was pacer friendly and Abbas was the only one who played well. I was very impressed with him and we decided to give him a chance. He is a talented player who has been very consistent and I always told him his chance would come soon," said Arun.
Three years ago, Abbas, representing Jain University, was adjudged the best batsman (313) in the University Cricket Championship - an all India inter-university Twenty20 tournament. Occasionals coach Vijay Madyalkar said that Abbas has worked hard on his game and showed tremendous improvement over the last five years.
"Abbas has shown great work ethic and discipline. I have worked on his back lift and balance and he has shown great improvement. He has played many games in the longer format and looks comfortable in that but with experience, he should be able to play well in all formats," Vijay noted.
Karnataka skipper R Vinay Kumar, who was impressed with the way Abbas delivered against Jharkhand, hoped he remains consistent. "We always back players who are performing consistently. He is a promising player and I am very happy for Abbas on his great debut. Hopefully he will play for many years to come for Karnataka and go on to play for India as well," said Vinay.
Karnataka’s promising batsman Mir Kaunain Abbas was in the State squad for couple of matches during last season’s Ranji Trophy. The right-hander though didn’t receive an opportunity to make his debut.
Abbas, however, earned his chances in the playing eleven in Karnataka’s first match of this season against Jharkhand, and the youngster grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
Batting in the middle-order, ahead of senior team-mates like Stuart Binny and CM Gautam, Abbas struck two composed half-centuries to help his team build on middle-order’s recovery act. With scores of 55 and 51 n.o., Abbas became the second Karnataka player to slam two half-centuries on debut after Mithun Beerala (1999-2000, against Andhra).
In both the innings, Abbas paced his knocks to perfection and remained composed to forge useful partnerships with his respective partners to help Karnataka reach a position of strength.
With consistent performances in the KSCA league circuit, Abbas has been in the reckoning for a place in the State senior side for the last two years. The 26-year-old, following a successful outing with his club Bangalore Occasionals in the Group I, Division I league for the Sir Mirza Ismail Shield, made it to the Karnataka Ranji probables. Abbas’ solid technique on a seaming track at the RSI ground during Karnataka’s Ranji camp impressed head coach J Arun Kumar.
"During a practice match at the RSI ground, most of the batsmen struggled on a surface that was pacer friendly and Abbas was the only one who played well. I was very impressed with him and we decided to give him a chance. He is a talented player who has been very consistent and I always told him his chance would come soon,” said Arun.
Three years ago, Abbas, representing Jain University, was adjudged the best batsman (313) in the University Cricket Championship - an all India inter-university Twenty20 tournament. Occasionals coach Vijay Madyalkar said that Abbas has worked hard on his game and showed tremendous improvement over the last five years.
"Abbas has shown great work ethic and discipline. I have worked on his back lift and balance and he has shown great improvement. He has played many games in the longer format and looks comfortable in that but with experience, he should be able to play well in all formats,” Vijay noted.
Karnataka skipper R Vinay Kumar, who was impressed with the way Abbas delivered against Jharkhand, hoped he remains consistent. "We always back players who are performing consistently. He is a promising player and I am very happy for Abbas on his great debut. Hopefully he will play for many years to come for Karnataka and go on to play for India as well,” said Vinay.