Ranji Trophy: Karnataka favourites against Vidarbha, Umesh Yadav availability in doubt

Kolkata, Dec 16 (CRICKETNMORE) - Eight-time champions Karnataka will be hot favourites against Vidarbha who are still not sure of the services of India speedster Umesh Yadav when the two sides clash in the semifinal of the Ranji Trophy at

Umesh is currently going through the physiotherapy sessions at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru ahead for India's tour of South Africa.

The decision to let him play the Ranji semis will be taken by the Indian team management, according to sources. Vidarbha team sources though are confident Umesh will play.

Umesh played two Ranji Trophy matches against Chhattisgarh and Services and claimed nine wickets.

Vidarbha will also be without strike bowler Lalit Yadav who is out due to a hamstring injury. They will have to depend on have Rajneesh Gurbani, who has played just 8 matches, and Siddhesh Neral, who made his First-Class debut this season and has played only three matches.

Lalit played crucial roles in Vidarbha's bonus point victories over Punjab and Bengal.