Ranji Trophy 2017-18: Playing XI of the season

Spinner

Krishnappa Gowtham, Karnataka – 34 wickets at 22.24 in 8 matches

Krishnappa Gowtham was the fifth highest wicket-taker this season

An off-spinner still finding his feet in domestic cricket, Krishnappa Gowtham blossomed with 34 wickets this season, the fifth-highest tally. Being the only one from his side to feature in the top fourteen list – even ahead of his experienced captain Vinay Kumar – Gowtham started the year with a five-for for India Red against India Green in the Duleep Trophy.

Consistent performances later in the Ranji Trophy from the 29-year-old gave Karnataka early momentum, as Gowtham bagged seven wickets against Assam in an innings win. Later, during the business end of the group stage, he came up with his career-best haul of 7/72 against Railways, following that up with 6/104 against a highly rated Mumbai line-up in the quarter-final.