Kerala leggie Shreyas Gopal makes a statement

Shreyas Gopal

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group ‘B' game between Kerala and Himachal Pradesh (HP) at the Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra-Kurla complex ground attracted the attention of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and a few IPL talent spotters on Monday.

Kerala leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (4-17), who played a vital role along with medium pacer Vinod Kumar (4-22) in his team's 35-run win over HP, was delighted to dish out a match-winning performance Agarkar and former India head coach John Wright (currently with Mumbai Indians), Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach, Kolkata Knight Riders) and Pravin Amre (assistant coach, Delhi Capitals) in attendance.

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Put into bat, thanks to one-drop Vishnu Vinod (27-ball 44) and No. 9 Sachin Baby (20-ball 30 not out), the Sanju Samson-led Kerala team posted 163-8 in the allotted 20 overs. For HP, left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar and off-spinner Mukul Negi claimed three and two wickets respectively.

In reply, Rishi Dhawan's side were bowled out for 128 in 19.1 overs. Nikhil Gangta scored 42 for the losing team. "Indian batsmen play spin really well, so it's always a challenge for a spinner. But the confidence is obviously high when they [chief selector and talent spotters] are watching and you do well," said Gopal.