Samarth in India 'A' squad

Following a fruitful outing in the Ranji Trophy last season, Karnataka opener R Samarth received the biggest break of his encouraging career on Monday. The right-hander was named in the India ‘A’ squad for the tour of South Africa.

Samarth has been picked in place of Tamil Nadu batsman Abhinav Mukund, who was included in the Indian Test squad for the Sri Lanka series starting this month end.

Sudhakar Rao, secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), confirmed the development. “The BCCI informed us today afternoon. He has been called up to the India ‘A’ four-day squad and he will replace Abhinav Mukund,” he said.

India ‘A’, captained by Karun Nair, will play two four-day games –– from August 12-15 in Benoni and August 19-22 at Senwes Park –– against the South Africa ‘A’ .

Samarth, who made his first class debut in 2013, amassed 702 runs to finish as the top run getter for Karnataka in the 2016-17 edition. The 24-year-old said he is excited about the opportunity.

“I was training at the KSCA ‘B’ ground when I received the news from Santosh Menon sir (KSCA assistant secretary). I am going with an open mind and do not have too much expectations. All I can say is I am thrilled to be part of the squad,” Samarth told DH.

With a penchant for playing long innings once set, Samarth has been one of the key players in the Karnataka’s batting set-up from the past three seasons. After a decent debut Ranji season (2013-14), Samarth proved his mettle in Karnataka’s title-winning campaign in the next season, scoring 625 runs.

With consistency helping him make an impact at the domestic stage, Samarth knew it was only time before he got a chance to play at the next level.

“I never play with thoughts of selection in mind nor do I feel I should have got this break earlier. I believe in enjoying my cricket and having fun while I play. If you keep performing well, eventually you will get your chance,” he said.

This is Samarth’s first tour outside India and he said he is geared up for the challenge. “The conditions will be obviously new to me and I feel with right preparations I can do well. The Safi Darashah tournament is coming up and I intend to do well in it,” he said.