Paras Dogra controversy overshadows J&K’s strong showing against Karnataka
Paras Dogra’s unbeaten fighting knock helped Jammu and Kashmir post 527 for six against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final, but his on-field head-butting incident involving substitute KV Aneesh dominated proceedings and may invite disciplinary action
Hubbali: Skipper Paras Dogra made a gutsy 70, but his intentional head-butting of Karnataka substitute KV Aneesh overshadowed an otherwise solid batting performance from Jammu and Kashmir, who reached 527 for 6 at stumps on the second day of the Ranji Trophy final.
Dogra, along with keeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) and Sahil Lotra (57 not out), made significant contributions, making it a tough day for the Karnataka bowlers. Only Prasidh Krishna (3/90 in 29 overs) made a notable impact.
However, it was 21-season Ranji veteran Dogra’s behaviour that surprised everyone. He was captured on camera head-butting the silly point fielder Aneesh after getting a streaky boundary off Prasidh, who had nearly beaten him with a well-directed delivery.
It was unclear if Aneesh said anything to provoke Dogra, who confronted him and struck Aneesh on the helmet. Senior teammate Mayank Agarwal immediately intervened to separate the two.
An animated Agarwal was seen exchanging words with Dogra as on-field umpires Rohan Pandit and Ulhas Gandhe stepped in. At one point, even Karnataka skipper Devdutt Padikkal spoke to the umpires, complaining about Dogra’s conduct.
Since the altercation involved physical contact with an opponent, Dogra could face sanctions from BCCI match referee Narayan Kutty.
The day started well for Karnataka as overnight centurion Shubham Pundir (121 off 247 balls) was quickly dismissed. A flick from the left-hander off medium pacer Vidyadhar Patil (1/104) went straight into substitute Aneesh’s hands, ending a fine 124-run stand. Pundir’s innings included 12 fours and two sixes.
Abdul Samad (61), who had also hit a half-century on the opening day, edged one from Prasidh that moved just enough to take the outside edge.
At 307 for 4, just when Karnataka looked to have an opening, veteran Dogra and J&K’s find of the season Wadhawan added 110 runs in 32 overs. Prasidh, bowling with a semi-new ball, was hit for streaky boundaries behind square by the duo, who found his extra pace difficult to handle.
They showed good temperament, not giving away wickets to the Indian Test pacer. While they did not score at a fast pace, once leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (1/130 in 33 overs) and left-arm spinner Shikhar Shetty (1/112 in 32 overs) came into operation, the pair managed the strike well.
Dogra’s 166-ball knock included eight fours, while Wadhawan’s 109-ball innings featured nine boundaries. After Wadhawan was caught by KL Rahul in the slips off Shetty, Dogra added another 54 runs with Lotra, who also reached a half-century.
With four overs left for the third new ball, Karnataka bowlers will hope to keep the total below 600 and rely on their batting line-up, filled with former and current Test players, to respond in a single-innings match.
Brief Scores
Jammu and Kashmir 527/6 in 156 overs (Shubham Pundir 121, Yawer Hassan 88, Paras Dogra 70, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 70, Sahil Lotra 54 not out; Prasidh Krishna 3/90) vs Karnataka
