Ranji Trophy 2019-20, Round 2, Elite Group A and B: Karnataka vs Uttar Pradesh – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The Round 2 clash in Elite Group A and B of the Ranji Trophy 2019-20 will be played between Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground in Hubli.

The match starts at 09:30 AM IST (04:00 AM GMT). It can be watched live on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD in India.

Preview:

Karnataka got off to a great start to their Ranji Trophy 2019-20 campaign as they won their opening game by 22 runs against their South Indian rivals Tamil Nadu. Their side is currently performing in its top-notch form and would like to replicate the same in the upcoming game as well. In batting, they have Karun Nair, Devdutt Padikkal and Pawan Deshpande performing decently. Moreover, in the absence of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, who are currently with Team India for the ODI series against West Indies, they will have a big responsibility to score runs of their side.

Uttar Pradesh will be looking to win their first game after playing out a draw against Rajasthan. They have a great mix of young and experienced batsmen like Almas Shaukat, Aryan Juyal and Akshdeep Nath. It will be an uphill task for them when they lock horns with the in-form Karnataka. However, they will bank on their bowling unit that looks strong in comparison to their batting.

Weather Condition/Report:

There are no chances of rain on all the four days with the sun expected to be shining outright. However, the temperature is expected to deviate between 18 and 30 Degree Celsius during the action according to Accuweather.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The track at KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground is expected to go in favour of the spinners, who will have an upper edge over the batsmen. They will get a turn from the wicket that will pave some difficulty for the batsmen to score runs. However, the fast bowlers will look to take full use of the new ball that might swing early on.

Injury and Availability News:

Mayank Agarwal is a part of India’s ODI squad and will not play this match.

Probable Playing XIs:

Uttar Pradesh:

Almas Shaukat, Aryan Juyal, Madhav Kaushik, Akshdeep Nath, Mohammad Saif, Rinku Singh, Saurabh Kumar, Shivam Mavi, Ankit Rajpoot (c), Yash Dayal.

Bench: Zeeshan Ansari, Priyam Garg, Mohsin Khan, Shanu Saini

Karnataka:

Ravikumar Samarth, Dega Nischal, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair (c), Pavan Deshpande, Shreyas Gopal, Sharath BR (wk), David Mathias, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ronit More, V Koushik

Bench: Ravikumar Samarth, Jagadeesha Suchith, Srinivas Sharath, Devaiah

Top Picks:

Devdutt Padikkal is another vital pick due to his current hot form. He has been scoring runs in a consistent fashion for his side. In the opening match of Karnataka, he mustered 78 and 39 runs against Tamil Nadu. Moreover, he will look to replicate the same form against Uttar Pradesh as well.

For Uttar Pradesh, Almas Shaukat looked in good form in the previous match as he played a knock of 92 and 33 runs. And, it makes him an important pick for any fantasy side. In bowling, Yash Dayal has also impressed everyone and took nine wickets against Railways and is expected to be a pick worth taking a risk.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain –  Karun Nair, Madhav Kaushik, Devdutt Padikkal

Vice-Captain – Krishnappa Gowtham, Pavan Deshpande, Shreyas Gopal

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Sharath BR

Batsmen – Devdutt Padikkal (C), Karun Nair, Madhav Kaushik, Almas Shaukat

All-Rounders – Krishnappa Gowtham, Pavan Deshpande (VC), Akshdeep Nath

Bowlers – Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot, Yash Dayal

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Sharath BR

Batsmen – Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair (C), Rinku Singh (VC), Madhav Kaushik

All-Rounders – Krishnappa Gowtham, Pavan Deshpande, Akshdeep Nath

Bowlers – V Koushik, Ankit Rajpoot, Yash Dayal

Expert Advice:

Try to pick spinners because they are expected to get some turn from the wicket and it will help them to get wickets in the match. Also, don’t forget to draft the top form batsmen of Karnataka in Grand League Side.

Probable Winners:

Karnataka is expected to win the match against Uttar Pradesh.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.