Karnataka Premier League, 2015: Mysuru Warriors - Team Preview

Owned by Cycle Pure Agarbathies, the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) franchise Mysuru Warriors set to take the field from September 3rd in the 4th edition of the league. Established in 1948, The Cycle Pure Agarbathies, who belong to NR group, have also powered the ongoing Sri Lanka vs India Test series. Catch the live action of Karnataka Premier League from 3rd to 20th September on Sony Six.

The Mysuru Warriors won the previous edition of KPL in 2014 under the captaincy of promising star batsman Manish Pandey. The 25-year old will be now looking to repeat the last season heroics to defend the title. The Mysuru Warriors team staff has managed to trade some good exciting players which have put them among the title contenders already.

Here we look at all the players who will be playing for Mysuru Warriors in this season.

1. Manish Pandey (Captain):

Price: Rs. 310,000 (Retained)

Manish Pandey, the captain of Mysuru Warriors, is easily the most familiar name in this squad. Manish Pandey, who made his international debut recently, would like to carry on the confidence into KPL as well. Pandey will like to put on a better show than that of previous edition, where he failed miserably. Pandey’s T20 skills might not be needed to discuss as he is the first Indian to score a century in Indian Premier League and had already played many match winning knock for his IPL sides.

Career Stats:

Twenty20 Career –

No of Matches – 125, Inns – 119, Runs – 2654, Avg – 25.51, S/R – 115.84, Best – 114*, No of 50s – 11, No of 100s – 1, Catches – 62.

Overs – 58, Maidens – 1, Wickets – 15, Best – 3/2, Avg – 17.14, S/R – 23.2, Eco – 7.53.

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 40, Inns – 37, Runs – 969, Avg – 32.3, S/R – 129.37, Best – 112*, No of 50s – 4, No of 100s – 1, Catches – 22.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 19, Inns – 17, Runs – 457, Avg – 32.64, S/R – 125.55, Best – 112*, No of 50s – 1, No of 100s – 1, Catches – 14. 

2. J Suchith:

Price: Rs. 90,000 (Retained)

Jagadeesha Suchith was the leading wicket taker in previous edition of KPL, where he played most important role towards Mysuru Warriors’ title achievement. He was part of the Mumbai Indians in IPL, who were the champions in the latest of the 8 editions where Suchith picked wickets of some big names. With the experience Suchith has gained since the last KPL season, he will be looking to improve himself as a perfect all-rounder, as the left hander can turnout into a handy middle and lower order batsman.

Career Stats:

Twenty20 Career –

No of Matches – 20, Inns – 9, Runs – 63, Avg – 15.75, S/R – 131.25, Best – 34*, Catches – 10.

Overs – 58, Maidens – 1, Wickets – 15, Best – 3/2, Avg – 17.14, S/R – 23.2, Eco – 7.53.

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 10, Inns – 2, Runs – 30, Avg – 30, S/R – 200, Best – 30*, Catches – 10.

Overs – 37, Maidens – 2, Wickets – 21, Best – 4/10, Avg – 12.5, S/R – 10.57, 4WI – 1, Eco – 5.43.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 2, Catches – 1.

Overs – 58, Maidens – 1, Wickets – 15, Best – 3/9, Avg – 10.37, S/R – 11.25, Eco – 5.53.

3. CM Gautam:

Price: Rs. 320,000

Karnataka’s premier Wicket Keeper-batsman, CM Gautam has been a responsible player for his Ranji side in the last couple of years. He was the second-highest run-getter of the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season. A significant contributor to his state’s success over the last few seasons, he was with the Delhi Daredevils during IPL 2013, where he featured in three games. In IPL 2014, Gautam represented the Mumbai Indians before being bought again by DD in the 2015 Player Auction. The stylish wicketkeeper batsman will be looking to use all of his IPL experience to perform well in KPL 2015.

Career Stats:

Twenty20 Career –

No of Matches – 31, Inns – 27, Runs – 360, Avg – 17.14, S/R – 107.46, Best – 53*, No of 50s – 1, Catches – 20, Stumpings – 9.

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 16, Inns – 14, Runs – 150, Avg – 12.5, S/R – 77.72, Best – 33, Catches – 7, Stumpings – 3.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 12, Inns – 12, Runs – 118, Avg – 11.8, S/R – 81.94, Best – 33, Catches – 7, Stumpings – 3.

4. Gowtam Krishnappa:

Price: Rs. 110,000

Mysuru Warriors has managed to rope in Krishnappa Gowtam, an experienced off spinner and a handy hitter in lower order. Gowtam, so far has played in all the 3 KPL seasons and has been one of the top wicket takers in the league history. His and Suchith’s partnership in spin could make the difference among the other teams.

Career Stats:

Twenty20 Career –

No of Matches – 15, Inns – 11, Runs – 92, Avg – 10.22, S/R – 148.38, Best – 24, Catches – 2.

Overs – 42, Wickets – 11, Best – 4/19, Avg – 27.27, S/R – 22.9, 4WI – 1, Eco – 7.14.

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 23, Inns – 22, Runs – 247, Avg – 13.72, S/R – 143.6, Best – 31, Catches – 8.

Overs – 64, Wickets – 30, Best – 4/16, Avg – 13.37, S/R – 12.8, 4WI – 1, Eco – 6.27.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 23, Inns – 22, Runs – 247, Avg – 13.72, S/R – 143.6, Best – 31, Catches – 8.

Overs – 64, Wickets – 30, Best – 4/16, Avg – 13.37, S/R – 12.8, 4WI – 1, Eco – 6.27.

5. David Mathias:

Price: Rs. 170,000

David Mathias might not be a new face to the KPL but it has been a long time since he has put on some gritty performances in the shorter format. Mathias did play in the 2009 and 2010 season of KPL but took a lot of time to make a good comeback. The 24-year-old right hander made some decent performances in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament.

Career Stats:

Twenty20 Career –

No of Matches – 4, Inns – 3, Runs – 45, Avg – 22.50, S/R – 61.64, Best – 25*, Catches – 1.

Overs – 11, Wickets – 3, Best – 3/22, Avg – 26.63, S/R – 22, Eco – 7.18.

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 16, Inns – 10, Runs – 84, Avg – 12, S/R – 98.82, Best – 30, Catches – 4.

Overs – 29, Maidens – 1, Wickets – 7, Best – 3/21, Avg – 31.86, S/R – 24.86, Eco – 7.69.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 11, Inns – 6, Runs – 59, Avg – 14.75, S/R – 101.72, Best – 30, Catches – 3.

Overs – 20, Maidens – 1, Wickets – 6, Best – 3/21, Avg – 24.67, S/R – 20, Eco – 7.4.

6. Moodanahally Darshan:

Price: Rs. 70,000

The 20 year-old Moodanahally Darshan has gained a good reputation with his brilliant performances with the ball in longer format at domestic level. The exciting pacer will be hopeful about making into the final XI of Mysuru Warriors at least this time around, as he got permitted to bench last year.

7. Shoaib Manager:

Price: Rs. 125,000

Shoaib Manager is another addition of medium pacer to Mysuru Warriors who will be needing to cover up the lack of experience in the pace attack of Mysuru Warriors. Shoaib Represented Mysuru team in 2009 and 2010 but went onto play for Hubli in last season.

Career Stats:

Twenty20 Career –

No of Matches – 3, Inns – 3, Runs – 30, Avg – 30, S/R – 142.85, Best – 25*, No of 50s – 2, Catches – 11.

Overs – 3, Wickets – 0, Eco – 6.33.

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 18, Inns – 17, Runs – 253, Avg – 14.88, S/R – 135.29, Best – 59, No of 50s – 2, Catches – 11.

Overs – 13, Wickets – 4, Best – 2/16, Avg – 34, S/R – 19.5, Eco – 10.46.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 16, Inns – 15, Runs – 199, Avg – 13.27, S/R – 121.13, Best – 59, No of 50s – 1, Catches – 9.

Overs – 8, Wickets – 3, Best – 2/16, Avg – 25.33, S/R – 16, Eco – 9.5.

8. Gneshwar Naveen:

Price: Rs. 235,000

Gneshwar Naveen is probably only experienced pacer in this Mysuru Warriors squad. Naveen had done a good job with his medium pace in middle overs. Naveen’s capability isn’t restricted to bowling as he is attacking middle order batsman as well.

Career Stats:

Twenty20 Career –

No of Matches – 2, Inns – 2, Runs – 6, Avg – 3, S/R – 54.54, Best – 6.

Overs – 4, Wickets – 2, Best – 2/28, Avg – 14, S/R – 12, Eco – 7.

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 7, Inns – 4, Runs – 118, Avg – 39.33, S/R – 138.82, Best – 71*, No of 50s – 1, Catches – 1.

Overs – 21.3, Wickets – 9, Best – 2/20, Avg – 20.11, S/R – 14.33, Eco – 8.41.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 7, Inns – 4, Runs – 118, Avg – 39.33, S/R – 138.82, Best – 71*, No of 50s – 1, Catches – 1.

Overs – 21.3, Wickets – 9, Best – 2/20, Avg – 20.11, S/R – 14.33, Eco – 8.41.

9. Nikin Jose:

Price: Rs. 10,000

There are lots of things to be talked about the 15-year-old, Nikin Jose who has been an attraction with his performances. Nikin Jose did well at Under-15 level scoring big centuries in the longer format and he his currently the Under-16 captain of Karnataka team. He led the side in Vijay Merchant Trophy and averaged 92 with the bat. Jose will be hoping to get an opportunity to play with big stars at KPL to gain some good experiences which might help his bright career ahead.

10. CK Akshay:

Price: Replacement

32-year-old right arm spinner, CK Akshay was added to Mysuru Warriors squad as replacement in last moments. The veteran off spinner has an experience of playing all 3 KPL seasons.

Career Stats:

Twenty20 Career –

No of Matches – 7, Inns – 4, Runs – 25, Avg – 8.33, S/R – 147.05, Best – 14.

Overs – 18, Wickets – 7, Best – 3/22, Avg – 19.14, S/R – 15.44, Eco – 7.44.

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 6, Inns – 3, Runs – 23, Avg – 7.67, S/R – 153.33, Best – 20, Catches – 2.

Overs – 8, Eco – 8.75.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 6, Inns – 3, Runs – 23, Avg – 7.67, S/R – 153.33, Best – 20, Catches – 2.

Overs – 8, Eco – 8.75.

11. Shantharaj: Right Arm Orthodox Bowler

Price: Replacement

12. Anand Doddamani:

Price: Rs. 10,000

Just like Abhilash, Anand Doddamani not an experienced campaigner. However, he gained a good fame in the short span as the left arm spinner picked up 48 wickets in 12 games at the First Division League this year and was the leading wicket taker in the tournament. He will also be making his shorter format debut in the upcoming edition of KPL.

13. Arjun Hoysala:

Price: Rs. 10,000

Left hander batsman, Ajrun Hoysala got picked by Mysuru Warriors after his consistent run in all forms of the game in past one year. He was among the top run scores in the every tournament he has played in recent times. Couple of years back, Arjun struck an unbeaten 233 in 162 balls in a One day game and another century in the following game in South Zone Inter University tournament.

14. Suneel Kumar DH:

Price: Rs. 10,000

36-year-old veteran player, Suneel Kumar is most experienced player in the Mysuru Warriors side. Suneel, who had played in all the 3 seasons of KPL will be needing to deliver for his side with his medium pace skills.

Career Stats:

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 15, Inns – 4, Runs – 9, Avg – 9, S/R – 150, Best – 8*, Catches – 6.

Overs – 44.3, Wickets – 11, Best – 3/6, Avg – 29.09, S/R – 24.27, Eco – 7.19.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 15, Inns – 4, Runs – 9, Avg – 9, S/R – 150, Best – 8*, Catches – 6.

Overs – 44.3, Wickets – 11, Best – 3/6, Avg – 29.09, S/R – 24.27, Eco – 7.19.

15. Manjeesh Reddy:

Price: Rs. 220,000

Mysuru Warriors retained their 2nd best batsman in last season, Manjeesh Reddy. Manjeesh, who made his debut last season, scored 171 at an average of over 42. The 32-year-old right-handed batsman has scored couple of fifties in that season as well. 

Career Stats:

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 6, Inns – 5, Runs – 171, Avg – 42.75, S/R – 147.41, Best – 74*, No of 50s – 2, Catches – 2.

KPL Career –

No of Matches – 6, Inns – 5, Runs – 171, Avg – 42.75, S/R – 147.41, Best – 74*, No of 50s – 2, Catches – 2.

16. Nihal Ullal:

Price: Rs. 40,000

Nihal Ullal is the only other wicket keeper to CM Gautam present in Mysuru Warriors squad. The 22-year-old had gained a good experience in the shorter format by playing various matches at University level.

Career Stats:

Other T20s Career –

No of Matches – 9, Inns – 9, Runs – 109, Avg – 27.25, S/R – 123.86, Best – 36*, Catches – 1, Stumpings – 5. 

17. Tejas Subramanian: Right arm pace bowler

Price: Rs. 10,000

18. Kuldeep Kumar: All rounder

Price: Rs. 10,000

Strengths and Weaknesses of Mysuru Warriors:

Mysuru Warriors have a balanced overall team and the quality of players in their squad might give them an upper hand over other teams. But like every cricket side they also have some weaknesses.

Strengths:

With players like Manish Pandey, G Naveen, Manjesh Reddy in their squad along with some all-rounders, who can strike big, the Mysuru Warriors do not need to worry about their batting. CM Gautam is a capable wicketkeeper batsman and his experience will come in handy for the Warriors.

Spin all-rounders in form of Suchith, Gowtham and Akshay might end up being the difference between Mysuru Warriors and other sides. And the inclusion of left arm spinner Anand makes the Mysuru’s spin department the strongest among all sides.

Weaknesses:

Mysuru Warriors are short of a good back-up wicket keeper. Nihal Ullah is pretty inexperienced to be trusted upon at the moment. Despite having a strong spin department, Mysuru Warriors’ pace attack is a little fragile. However, they have experienced medium pace bowlers like Naveen, David Mathias and Shoiab Manager who can trick the batsmen with their slower ones.

(Note: ‘Other T20 stats’ won’t come under ‘Twenty20 stats’. ‘International T20s’, ‘IPL’ and other professional tournament stats come under ‘Twenty20 stats’. “KPL stats” are included in ‘Other T20 stats’.)

(Stats Updated till 25th August, 2015)