Karnataka has advantage over Rest of India: Vinay Kumar

Karnataka captain R Vinay Kumar today said his side has an advantage over Rest of India in the Irani Cup as it has been been playing as an unit, unlike their opponents who have come together to play this one-off match.

Bangalore: Karnataka captain R Vinay Kumar on Saturday said his side has an advantage over Rest of India in the Irani Cup as it has been been playing as an unit, unlike their opponents who have come together to play this one-off match.

"Rest of India is a good side. But we have a big advantage that we have been playing as a team throughout the season, whereas they have only come together now from different states," Vinay told reporters here on the eve of their Irani Trophy match. "They will need time to gel as a group. That is when we can take advantage. We have played as a family. No matter how good those players are, it will not be easy coming from different states and playing now. We have not lost a single game and our confidence is high," he added. Vinay, who led Karnataka to their seventh Ranji Trophy title this season, said if his team could keep it simple, it would stand a better chance to perform well. "We are not thinking it is Irani Cup. We are treating it as another normal game. If you keep it simple there is a better chance of doing well," he said. On pacer H S Sharath`s fitness, Vinay said, "At present, he is playing. We will have to see tomorrow morning." Talking about preparations for the match, Vinay said Karnataka had few sessions after their off days following their victory in the Ranji Trophy. "We took a few days off because everyone had given their 100 per cent. On a wicket like those, the fast bowlers had worked very hard. "All the players are eager to perform here because there is a greater chance of getting noticed," Vinay said. On IPL auction, Vinay said the players were not thinking much about it and their "main goal is to play for India". Asked if his players were eyeing the national selection, Vinay said the youngsters might be thinking about it but it would the senior players` job to keep these things out of their minds.