Karnataka batter Smaran prepares for new season
R Smaran, the Karnataka left-handed batter, is preparing for the upcoming cricket season with a focus on improving his game across all formats. Following a successful run in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored 950 runs in the previous season, Smaran aims to breach the 1000-run mark this year. He emphasized the importance of optimal preparation during the short off-season, particularly after participating in the IPL and state leagues.
Smaran works closely with his childhood coach, Syed Zabiulla, whom he considers part of his family. Their training focuses on adapting quickly between red-ball and white-ball cricket, as each format presents distinct demands. Smaran acknowledges the increasingly short off-seasons due to the expanding cricket calendar, including the IPL, and believes players must adjust to this schedule.
The 23-year-old is set for his second consecutive appearance with the South Zone team in the Duleep Trophy, which is scheduled to begin at the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru later this month. He views this tournament as a crucial opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the season and maintain his contention for a national team spot. Smaran stated that the match is an extension of practice, highlighting the significance of thorough preparation.
Focus on consistency and T20 game development
Smaran has demonstrated consistency in domestic cricket, accumulating 1534 runs in 26 innings at an average of 73.60, including three double centuries in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. His versatility across formats was evident in Karnataka’s 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph, where he scored 433 runs in seven innings. Additionally, he was Karnataka’s leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 319 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 160.
Despite his success, Smaran is keen to enhance his T20 game. He noted that modern T20 matches often see scores of 230-240, especially in the IPL, necessitating an aggressive approach from the start. He aims to improve his ability to take on bowlers from the first ball during the off-season. His time with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in his first full IPL season provided valuable learning experiences, despite modest on-field returns.
Smaran believes that while his red-ball cricket rigor is strong, there is significant room for improvement in his T20 skills. He is working on expanding his range of shots, including the sweep and reverse sweep against spin, to unsettle bowlers and broaden his scoring areas. He emphasizes that while playing straight is effective, having additional options is crucial for consistent contributions in high-scoring T20 environments.
Mindset and leadership aspirations
For the upcoming season, Smaran intends to manage expectations and focus on enjoying the game. He believes that excessive expectations can lead to self-imposed pressure. His goal is to approach each game individually and take pride in representing his state and team. He has set a target to remain at the top of the scoring charts in the Ranji Trophy for consecutive years, acknowledging it as a challenging but achievable task.
Smaran also harbors leadership ambitions, having captained Karnataka at the age-group level, leading them to a CK Nayudu Trophy win. He was also part of the Maharaja Trophy-winning side. He expressed readiness for the responsibility if the opportunity arises, viewing it as a privilege. He stated that his focus remains on consistent performance, believing that opportunities will follow if his bat continues to do the talking.
He missed the BCCI Emerging series due to an injury but is now fully fit and eager to return to the field. Smaran’s preparation involves training on various wicket types, including red-soil and black-soil surfaces, and practicing on difficult pitches to simulate match conditions. He stressed the importance of batting on spin-assisting surfaces during practice to prepare for later innings in multi-day matches.
Source: newindianexpress.com
