Kerala suffer humiliating innings defeat to Karnataka in Ranji Trophy

Kerala suffered a humiliating innings defeat to Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy match at Mangalapuram in Thiruvananthapuram. The gravity of the loss was such that young pacer Eden Apple Tom came on as a concussion sub and ended up as the team's top scorer (39 not out) in the second innings.

Made to follow on, Kerala were bundled out for 184 in their second innings on Tuesday, losing by an innings and 164 runs. Kerala's first innings had folded for 238 runs in response to the visitors' imposing total of 586/5 declared.

As recent as March this year, Kerala men's cricket was at its zenith, playing a maiden final and going unbeaten the whole season. Kerala, then led by Sachin Baby, finished as runners-up to Vidarbha only because they conceded the first innings lead in the final that was drawn.

Under new captain Mohammed Azharuddeen, Kerala have managed just two points from three matches this season. In their first two outings, Kerala drew with Maharashtra at home and Punjab in New Chandigarh, on both occasions conceding first-innings lead points.

Double centuries from Bengaluru-Malayali Karun Nair (233) and Smaran R (220 not out) had powered Karnataka to a huge score across the first two days. Barring a fighting 88 from guest player Baba Aparajith, Kerala's batting line-up looked as thin as a wafer.

The absence of star batter Sanju Samson, who is part of India's T20I squad in Australia, could be shown as an excuse. But the failure of the other stars from the previous season, notably Sachin Baby and Azharuddeen, who made 31, 12 and 6, 15 respectively in the match, shows there is much work to be done by Amay Khurasiya and the coaching staff. Kerala next play Saurashtra at Mangalapuram, starting November 8.

Brief scores: Karnataka 586/5 dec in 167 overs bt Kerala 238 & 184 in 79.3 overs (Eden Apple Tom 39 not out, Krishna Prasad 33, Mohsin Khan 6/29, Vidwath Kaverappa 2/28)