Over the last two weeks, R. Smaran has lived life in the fast lane. In Devdutt Padikkal’s absence, he was named Karnataka skipper for the Ranji Trophy opener against Andhra.
After playing a match-winning hand for Rest of India in the Irani Cup, he was drafted into the squad for the upcoming India-A tour of New Zealand. Just taking it as it comes and not keeping any expectations of playing or reaching any particular level. I am just staying in the present. Such level-headedness is prerequisite if one has to succeed in the cut-throat Indian cricketing universe. And handling the burden of captaincy of a powerhouse side like Karnataka is never easy. “There are so many stalwarts who have led Karnataka to a lot of victories. Obviously, our coach Vinay Kumar… We don’t have to go far for inspiration. So, it’s a very proud moment for me.”
And on Sunday in Mulapadu near here, the 23-year-old scored an excellent, back-to-the-wall century on captaincy debut. The last two titles back-to-back [in 2014 and 2015] were won under him.
Asked how he was processing all of this, Smaran said: “Even if there is time to process, I don’t want to think much of it. “It’s a huge privilege and honour to lead Karnataka,” Smaran said.