Karnataka skipper Karun Nair on Friday said K L Rahul-s inclusion is a big boost for his team and he will look to get valuable inputs from the India opener during their semifinal clash against Bengal beginning here on Saturday. Rahul has been in sparkling form in the limited-overs series in New Zealand. He was adjudged man-of-the-series in their 5-0 whitewash in the T20I series.

"Everyone-s really happy that he Rahul is back. It-s a positive sign and a big boost for Karnataka to have him back. For me also, to go to him and talk to him about strategies or any inputs that he will have ... We are really looking forward to his inputs and quality on the field," Nair said. This is Karnataka-s third straight entry into the semifinals but their campaign so far has not been smooth. Karnataka narrowly edged past Jammu and Kashmir in the quarterfinals. After two rain-interrupted days, Karnataka were bundled out for 206 on day three and it looked like a first innings shoot out when Jammu and Kashmir was well-placed at 107 for 2.