Maharashtra allows Karnataka to have replacement for Manish Pandey

A change of decision from Maharashtra saw Karnataka rope in replacement for Manish Pandey in their playing eleven. Earlier, Karnataka had the threat of going in with only 10 batsmen in their first innings. This was because their star batsman Manish Pandey had to pull out of the crucial match following a national call up. Pandey was named as the replacement for Ajinkya Rahane in the 4th Test against England at Mumbai.

Although, Pandey eventually did not feature in the playing eleven for India, he had to leave the Ranji match against Maharashtra. This had left the Karnataka team and their skipper R Vinay Kumar in a spot of bother. Karnataka team had approached the match referee Pranab Roy to allow them to have a replacement.

As per the rules, a team is allowed to have a replacement only if the opposition captain gives his consent. In this case, Maharashtra skipper Swapnil Gugale had earlier refused to accept the request. Maharashtra were bowled out cheaply for 163 in their first innings. Just when the threatened loomed over Karnataka to bat with just 10 players, Gugale had a change of mind.

Gugale allowed Karnataka to have a replacement. David Mathias was the beneficiary as he replaced Manish Pandey in the playing eleven. Mathias came in to bat at number 7 after the departure of Pavan Deshpande. Karnataka were on 251/5 at that stage. Mathias could not make most of the chance and scored just 6 off 23 balls before being lbw to Nikit Dhumal.

Karnataka look in firm control of the match. They have been in a good form in the tournament and have already qualified for the knockouts. On the contrary, Maharashtra is still fighting hard to make it to the knockouts. There is one final spot available and Maharashtra, Odisha and Delhi are vying for it in the round 9 of Ranji Trophy 2016-17.