Vidwath Kaverappa Takes 4/66 as South Zone Dismiss North Zone for 195 in Bengaluru

Karnataka fast bowler Vidwath Kaverappa claimed four wickets to help South Zone bowl out North Zone for 195 on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy semifinal at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Sunday.

On a slow pitch, the 27-year-old pacer finished with figures of 4/66 in 15 overs as North Zone folded in 59.1 overs. Kaverappa turned the momentum after an expensive opening spell of 7-1-38-0, bouncing back in his subsequent spell to take four wickets in five overs while conceding just 14 runs.

The performance marked an important step for the Karnataka bowler, who has played only eight red-ball matches across the past two seasons due to injury setbacks. When Karnataka reached the knockout rounds of the Ranji Trophy last year, he was not the first-choice fast bowler in the playing XI for the semifinal and final.

Speaking to reporters after the day's play, Kaverappa noted that he utilised his time away from the game to refine his technique and build physical strength. He explained that injuries were an unavoidable part of sport, prompting him to focus on making small adjustments to his bowling action.

Kaverappa stated that after his opening spell lacked impact, he focused on maintaining tight lines on a surface that offered little pace, which ultimately produced results.

Looking ahead to the domestic season under new Karnataka coach R Vinay Kumar, Kaverappa, who received a BCCI fast bowling contract just over two years ago, stated that his primary focus remains on contributing to Karnataka's campaign in the upcoming Ranji Trophy.