After lifting the Ranji Trophy 2013-14, Karnataka will take on the Harbhajan Singh-led Rest of India team in a bid to claim the Irani Cup. The contest for the title will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore from February 9th, 2014. Karnataka beat Maharashtra by seven wickets in Hyderabad to claim the Ranji Trophy 2013-14 and give themselves an opportunity to lay their hands on the coveted cup. Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, Karnataka captain, Vinay Kumar said, “It’s a very important match. We’re not thinking about it as the Irani Cup but treating it as another normal game. If you keep it simple there is a better chance of doing well.” Talking about their preparations for the upcoming match, he said: “After winning the Ranji Trophy, we took a few days off. Everyone had given their hundred percent. On a wicket like that (the wicket in Hyderabad where the Ranji Trophy final was played), the fast bowlers had worked hard. We had a few sessions (of practice) after the day off. Winning the Irani Cup after winning the Ranji Trophy will be like a bonus. All the players are eager to perform here because there is a greater chance of getting noticed.” Asked about the availability of pacer HS Sharath who had played a key role for Karnataka in the lead up to the Ranji Trophy final but missed it due to injury, Vinay said, “At present, he is playing. We will have to see tomorrow morning.” “Those who do well in the Ranji Trophy find a place here. We have a big advantage in that we have been playing as a team throughout the season. Whereas, they have only come together now from different states. They will need time to gel as a group. That is when we can take advantage. We have played as a family. No matter how good those players are it will not be easy coming from different states and playing together. We have not lost a single game and our confidence is high.”