In an intriguing turn of events in the cricketing world, a spinner who once baffled Gautam Gambhir has now made waves by dismissing Rahul Dravid’s son, Samit Dravid. This revelation certainly raises eyebrows, but it’s worth clarifying that the context is purely professional, stemming from the world of cricket. The bowler in question is KC Kariyappa, a right-arm spinner who made a mark on Gambhir’s cricketing journey a decade ago. His recent performance against Samit Dravid in the Maharaja T20 Trophy has garnered significant attention.
KC Kariyappa Leaves Samit Dravid in Disarray
On the evening of August 21, a match in the Maharaja T20 Trophy unfolded between the Mysuru Warriors and the Hubli Tigers. Samit Dravid played for the Mysuru Warriors, while KC Kariyappa represented the Hubli Tigers. Batting first, Mysuru Warriors were bowled out for 165 runs in just 19.3 overs. Unfortunately for Samit Dravid, he was unable to score more than 2 runs off 5 balls, as Kariyappa made quick work of him, taking his wicket.
Impressive Wicket-Taking Performance
KC Kariyappa achieved his first wicket of the match by clean bowling Samit Dravid. Following this, he claimed another wicket, that of Sumit Kumar. In total, Kariyappa’s figures for the match were impressive, with 2 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs. This brought his total wicket tally in the Maharaja T20 Trophy to 4 wickets after playing 5 matches, having previously not taken any wickets in the first three games.
Career Highlights and Achievements
| Season | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Runs Given |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharaja T20 Trophy 2024 | 5 | 4 | 88 |
A Blast from the Past: KC Kariyappa vs. Gautam Gambhir
The spinner that rattled Samit Dravid is none other than KC Kariyappa, who had previously made a named for himself by outsmarting Gautam Gambhir nearly a decade ago. This incident dates back to 2014, just before the Champions League T20, during a trial conducted for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Hyderabad. It was here that Gambhir faced Kariyappa’s bewildering deliveries for the first time, finding it extremely challenging to read or even play them.
A Chance Encounter: Gambhir’s Advocacy for Kariyappa
Impressed by Kariyappa’s unique bowling style and talent, Gambhir took it upon himself to speak to the KKR management to advocate for his inclusion in the team. As a result, KC Kariyappa was signed by KKR for the IPL 2015 season at a staggering price of ₹2.4 crore, marking the beginning of his journey in the Indian Premier League.
As cricket enthusiasts continue to follow both the existing tournaments and past memories, KC Kariyappa’s journey from a trial player to a significant contributor on the field exemplifies the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of the sport. His impressive performances resonate not only within the tournament but also remind us of the earlier days when he captivated the hearts of fans and players alike.
