News – Paras Dogra would rather talk runs than rows. The Jammu & Kashmir captain, fresh from a punchy 70 on day two of the Ranji Trophy final, played down an awkward head-butt on Karnataka substitute KV Aneesh that briefly halted proceedings in Visakhapatnam.
“It was just in a little heat of the moment, not a big thing,” Dogra said afterwards. “Yeah, it is all settled now. […] It was momentary. We started talking and chatting after that so it’s all well.”
The flashpoint came minutes after Dogra upper-cut Prasidh Krishna for four. Words followed, both players kept their helmets on, and a gentle nudge of headgear was exchanged. Umpires stepped in, the pair separated, and cricket rolled on. No official reprimand had been announced at stumps.
J&K, meanwhile, rolled along to 527 for 6 and a position of real authority. “Very good, to be honest. We are in a good position. That’s what matters for me,” Dogra noted. “All that keeps happening and especially when you are playing a final or something [like that], a bit of it happens.”
Karnataka’s bowlers had few answers once Dogra returned from a short break after being struck on the hand. Resuming at 307 for 4 – Abdul Samad gone for a breezy 61 – Dogra combined with Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) in a 110-run stand that sapped energy from fielders and left the southern side chasing the game.
“No, we haven’t set a target, to be honest,” Dogra admitted when asked about a declaration. “We can get the result from the first-innings lead as well so we will try to bat as long as we can. Mostly everyone is satisfied but still we can go [bat] long. Everyone knows Karnataka is a good batting side. We would try to put as many runs as we can.”
The 41-year-old captain, in his 19th domestic season, revealed a purposeful morning routine: “We have worked hard. We have batted really well and that’s why we have put a good score on the board. I had a talk with Ajay Sharma sir [head coach] and Dishant Yagnik, our fielding coach. In the morning [when] I came, I did a one-hour drill for it [short-pitched bowling].”
Wadhawan confirmed the plan was simple: “[We spoke about] having a good partnership. Let’s dig in because this time won’t come again. Try to give your best and take the team in a good position.”
Karnataka, already staring at a mountain, must now hope their celebrated top order matches J&K’s resolve. A lengthy rescue act on day three looks essential; otherwise, Dogra’s men may yet secure a maiden title on first-innings points alone.
