Karnataka Premier League: Team of the Tournament

Karnataka has always thrown a plethora of talent into Indian cricket. The reigning Ranji Trophy champions have produced numerous iconic international players such as Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, EAS Prasanna and BS Chandrasekhar, to name a few. Amongst the current lot, KL Rahul and Stuart Binny have recently shown their mettle in national colours. KPL, the premier domestic 20 over tournament in Karnataka is seen as a stepping stone to wearing the prestigious KSCA jersey which could potentially lead to selection for “The Men in Blue”. The recently concluded 2015-16 season has opened up new avenues for several aspiring youngsters. Considering various factors such as consistency and performances in knockout matches, we have selected the team of the tournament.Robin Uthappa- Player of the Tournament

#1 KB Pawan

The stylish right-handed opener showed remarkable consistency as he played the sheet anchor role to perfection. The Hubli Tigers batsman scored consecutive half-centuries to begin the tournament. Stepping up for the injured KL Rahul, he continued to play crucial knocks in the league stages to guide his team to the knockout stages. Despite gettinga start in the final, he could not capitalize and his dismissal eventuallyled to a collapse which destroyed Tigers chances to reign supreme.

Statistics:321 runs from 10 matches at an average of 36 and strike rate of 110

#2 Mohammed Taha

Joining his team-mate at the top of the order, Taha played Yang to Pawans Yin. Lighting up the tournament with his electric strokeplay and controlled aggression, he played a major role in the efforts of Hubli Tigers to reach the finals. His scintillating six-hitting and flurry of boundaries tamed the Belgavi Panthers into submission,in the semifinals. The Tigers bid to win the title were dented when he was dismissed in the final by VV Kumar.

Statistics:308 runs from 10 matches at an average of 38 and strike-rate of 137

#3 Robin Uthappa (VC)

The highly experienced batsman from Coorg,strengthens the middle-order with his enterprising and instinctive stroke-play. A stylish and proficient run scorer, Uthappa carried the batting lineup of Bijapur Bulls on his shoulders as they strolled towards thetitle. After spending an enormous amountof time with former Indian batsman, Pravin Amre, he reignited his approach to batting by juxtaposing aggressive intentwith methodical precision. A big-match player, he stamped his authority on the opposition by playing vital knocks in both the semifinals and finals.

Statistics:290 runs from 9 matches at an average of 58 and strike-rate of 126

#4 Sadiq Kirmani (WK)

Being the son of a former international cricketer is no mean feat. Normally, the pressure to live up to your surname is never easy to surmount. But, Sadiq Kirmani seemed to relish such a challenge. A wicket-keeper, just like his World Cup winning father, he infused energy into his teamand batted with zest and passion. The only saving grace of an otherwise disappointing campaign for Namma Shivamogga, Sadiq bludgeoned the opposition bowlers to all parts of the ground by smashing 4 half-centuries, thereby finishing as the highest run scorerin the process.

Statistics:338 runs from 7 matches at an average of 56 and strike-rate of 147

#5 Karun Nair

Under the selector’s radar for a possible India call-up, Nair did himself no wrong by continuing his fine form in this tournament too. Even though, he could only play only 5 matches, his belligerant and astonishing batting was amongst the talking points of the league. After he was summoned to the India A camp, Mangalore United eminently missed his presence in the eliminator as they went down to Hubli Tigers. A handy partnership breaker with his seemingly innocuous legspin, he is a natural lower middle-order batsman.

Statistics: 197 runs from 5 matches at an average of 66 and strike rate of 136

#6 Vinay Kumar (C)

The Davanagere born cricketer is the backbone of Karnataka cricket in all domestic competitions. Discarded from the Indian cricket team after a slump in form, he remained unaffected and performed with both bat and ball for the Belagavi Panthers. Often promoting himself up the order, the Karnataka captain did not disappoint his team management as he strung together meaningful scores throughout the competition. He also in fine form with the ball in hand and led his team with the utmost dignity.

Statistics:247 runs from 9 matches at an average of 41 and strike rate of 123

9 wickets at an average of 22 and economy of 7

#7 Akhil Balachandra

A perfect fit for the number seven position, Akhil is also an useful medium pace bowler. A veteran in the first class circuit, he has represented IPL teams such as Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kochi Tuskers. Assuming a cut-off for 150 runs, his average was comfortably the higest among all batsmen in the league. A vicious hitter of the cricket ball, he absolutely pulverised the bowlers during the death overs.

Statistics: 167 runs from 8 matches at an average of 83 and strike rate of 167

#8 Jagadeesha Suchith

Grabbing the headlines for smashing the joint-fastest fifty on Indian soil in any form of cricket, Suchith is an efficient spin bowling all-rounder. Regularly pulverising the opponent bowlers during the end overs,he was also consistent and productive with the ball in the league stages. After turning out for Mumbai Indians in the IPL last year, his stocksrosealarmingly and he was the key bowler forMysuru Warriors throughout the tournament.

Statistics:102 runs from 7 matches at an average of 25and strike rate of 227

11 wickets at an average of 16 and economy of just under 7

#9 Vyshak Vijay Kumar

The youngmedium placer was the vital cog in the Bijapur Bulls journey to the title. Alarmingly accurate and deceptively quick, the lanky lad was often relied upon by his captain to pick early wickets and control the flow of runs towards the end. He broke the back of the Tigers batting unit in the final with figures of 3/20, thereby ensuring that his team remained firmly in the drivers seat on their way to the title.

Statistics:10 wickets from 8 matches at an average of 13 and economy of 6

#10 KP Appanna

A seasoned slow left arm tweaker, Appanna formed one-half of a fruitful bowling combination with rookie mystery spinner Cariappa. Steady and miserly, he often picked up wickets in crucial stages by breaking well-set partnerships. The former RCB spinner proved his utility to the team by striking frequently in the qualifier against Belagavi Panthers. He also used his experience and guided his young spinning partner admirably.

Statistics:12 wickets from 8 matches at an average of 15 and economy of 6

#11 KC Cariappa

Cricket fans were left scourging the Internet when Kolkata Knight Riders picked up an unknown cricketerduring the IPL auction. But, their punt paid off as the exuberant Cariappa held his own against some of the established batsmen such as AB De Villiers. The mysterious leg break bowler is not a big turner of the ball. But, with the clever use of his variations and by employing a nagging line, he bewilders batsmen habitually. Finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the KPL, he was the X-factorfor Bijapur Bulls.

Statistics:16 wickets from 9 matches at an average of 10 and economy of 5