In a surprising move, Maharashtra have opposed Karnataka’s request for a replacement to come into their XI with Manish Pandey being selected for the Indian Test team in the middle of the Ranji Trophy encounter between the two sides at Mohali.

It is a must-win match for Maharashtra if they have to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition and that is the reasoning behind their decision – one that might even be considered unsportsmanlike.

“There was no question of allowing a replacement considering the situation we are in. We are playing for six points to qualify for the quarter-finals,” said Maharashtra captain Swapnil Gugale to The Hindu.

On the other hand, Karnataka have already qualified for the knockout stages, having won four out of the seven matches that they have played this season.

They lost fast bowler Abhimanyu Mithun after he bowled just two deliveries on Wednesday and might have to complete the match with nine players (although substitute fielders will be allowed).

A favourable result, though, looks like a tough task for Maharashtra after getting bowled out for 163 in their first innings.

With Pandey not selected in India’s XI for the Mumbai Test, there is still a chance that he might be flown back to Mohali to complete his duty in the Ranji Trophy match.