Devdutt Padikkal's 232, R Smaran's 121 power Karnataka to 689 in Ranji Trophy semifinal

Lucknow: In a world dominated by right-handers, left-handers bring a certain novelty and freshness. Karnataka, a side historically associated with classical right-handed greats, showcased the beauty of the southpaw on Monday as three left-handers — Devdutt Padikkal, R Smaran and Kruthik Krishna — dictated terms at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.Led by skipper Padikkal’s maiden double century (232; 330b; 29x4, 3x6) and Smaran’s sublime unbeaten 121 (191b; 11x4), Karnataka piled up a mammoth 689 against Uttarakhand, tightening their grip on the Ranji Trophy semifinal. Resuming at an imposing 355/2, the eight-time champions added another 344 runs on Day 2, losing four wickets in the process and leaving the opposition chasing leather for most of the day. Padikkal, who had ended the opening day on an unbeaten 148, wasted little time in asserting control. He added a brisk 52 off as many deliveries in the morning session, effortlessly moving past his previous career-best of 193 against Punjab in Hubballi in Jan 2024. His strokeplay blended authority with elegance — crisp drives through cover and controlled flicks.At the other end, Karun Nair (60), looking poised for a century, fell against the run of play. Attempting to guide a back-of-a-length delivery from Abhay Negi, he nicked behind to wicketkeeper Saurabh Rawat, ending a valuable 129-run stand.The dismissal brought Karnataka’s leading run-getter this season, Smaran, to the crease. What followed was arguably the most pleasing passage of the innings. With two left-handers at the crease, the rhythm of Karnataka’s batting was in symmetry. Smaran was the calmer presence, rotating strike effortlessly and punishing anything loose, while Padikkal continued to unfurl his strokes with confidence.Padikkal reached his double century in 288 deliveries. It was a landmark innings marked by composure and command. Yet, in an anti-climax, he fell soon after. Attempting to put away 17-year-old Lakshya Raichandani through fine leg, he edged to the keeper, handing the youngster his maiden first-class wicket.Shreyas Gopal followed without scoring, bowled by Aditya Rawat, offering Uttarakhand a brief window of respite.But Smaran ensured there would be no shift in momentum. Alongside wicketkeeper-batter Kruthik (60), he added 118 runs in a partnership as contrasting as chalk and cheese. Kruthik’s approach was audacious, often lofting deliveries and living dangerously. Smaran, in contrast, relied on timing and placement, dissecting the field with precision and calmness.Just before tea, Kruthik’s attempted defence against Avneesh Sudha played on to his stumps. Yet the day firmly belonged to Karnataka.Smaran, in the company of Vidhyadhar Patil (35 batting), brought up his fifth first-class century in just 150 deliveries — a composed and mature innings that underlined his growing stature. The pair saw out the day without further damage.By stumps, on a surface offering little assistance, Karnataka’s left-handed artistry left Uttarakhand overwhelmed by the relentless run surge.SCOREBOARDKarnataka (I innings; o/n 355/2): Devdutt Padikkal c S Rawat b Raichandani 232, Karun Nair c S Rawat b Negi 60, R Smaran (batting) 121, Shreyas Gopal b A Rawat 0, Kruthik Krishna b Sudha 60, Vidhyadhar Patil (batting) 35. Extras (NB-5; W-8; B-11; LB-6; pen 5) 24. Total (6 wkts; 180 overs) 689.Fall of wickets: 3-425, 4-484, 5-485, 6-608.Bowling: Abhay Negi 26-4-99-1, Janmejay Joshi 29-5-94-0, Aditya Rawat 29-3-132-3, Mayank Mishra 38-1-167-0, J Suchith 10-0-43-0, Avneesh Sudha 35-2-107-1, Lakshya Raichandani 10-1-25-1.