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Padikkal Named Karnataka Captain, KL Rahul Returns for Ranji Trophy Clash

Karnataka have appointed in-form batter Devdutt Padikkal as their new captain for the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Punjab, replacing Mayank Agarwal. The squad is significantly strengthened by the return of star batter KL Rahul and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna. However, the batting unit suffers a blow with the experienced Karun Nair ruled out due to injury. The team, currently third in Elite Group B, will face Punjab in Mohali from February 1.

Key Points: Padikkal Replaces Mayank as Karnataka Captain, KL Rahul Returns

  • Devdutt Padikkal replaces Mayank Agarwal as captain
  • KL Rahul returns after ODI series vs New Zealand
  • Prasidh Krishna bolsters bowling attack
  • Karun Nair ruled out due to injury
2 min read

Ranji Trophy: Padikkal replaces Mayank as Karnataka captain, KL Rahul returns for Punjab clash

Devdutt Padikkal appointed Karnataka captain for Ranji Trophy. KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna return to squad against Punjab. Key changes and squad details.

"Padikkal was in prime form... scoring 725 runs in just nine innings at an exceptional average of 90.62."

Bengaluru, Jan 26

Karnataka have made significant changes ahead of their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match against Punjab, appointing Devdutt Padikkal as captain with KL Rahul also returning to the squad for the fixture scheduled to be played at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, from February 1.

Padikkal has replaced Mayank Agarwal, who will now play only as a batter. Padikkal was in prime form in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 725 runs in just nine innings at an exceptional average of 90.62.

Karnataka, who are currently placed third in Elite Group B in the ongoing Ranji season, have been strengthened with Rahul returning to the side after performing well in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home.

Along with Rahul, India's fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has also been included in the 15-member squad. Prasidh will bolster the bowling attack, which includes experienced bowlers like Vidwath Kaverappa and Mohsin Khan.

However, the selection also brought notable omissions. Middle-order batter Abhinav Manohar has been dropped, while senior batter Karun Nair has been ruled out due to injury, dealing a blow to Karnataka's batting depth. The team management confirmed that Nair is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will not be available for the Punjab match.

Karnataka's batting unit includes Mayank, Rahul, Aneesh KV, Smaran R, and Shreyas Gopal. The team will have two wicketkeeping options in Kruthik Krishna and Shrijith KL. The bowling attack will be led by Prasidh, alongside Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohsin, Vidyadhar Patil, and Dhruv Prabhakar, with Shikhar Shetty also included in the squad.

Karnataka Squad: Mayank Agarawal, KL Rahul, Aneesh KV, Devdutt Padikkal (Captain), Smaran R, Shreyas Gopal, Kruthik Krishna (WK), Venkatesh M, Vidyadhar Patil, Vidwath Kaverappa, Prasidh M Krishna, Mohsin Khan, Shikhar Shetty, Shrijith KL (WK), and Dhruv Prabhakar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is interesting. KL Rahul's return adds serious experience. But dropping Mayank from captaincy mid-season? That's a bit harsh, no? Hope it doesn't affect his batting. Team chemistry is key.
V
Vikram M
Prasidh Krishna back is a massive boost for the bowling! Our pace attack looks solid now. But worried about the middle order without Karun Nair. Abhinav Manohar dropped too? Batting looks a bit thin. All the best boys! Jai Karnataka!
P
Priya S
Feeling for Karun Nair. Injuries are so cruel. He was just finding some rhythm. Wishing him a speedy recovery. On the bright side, Devdutt as captain is exciting. He leads from the front. Let's support the new leadership!
R
Rohit P
Strong squad on paper. But I have a respectful criticism: Is it fair to drop a senior player like Mayank from captaincy without a clear reason stated? Performance pressure or tactical shift? Transparency from the association would be good.
M
Michael C
The balance looks good. Two solid wicket-keeping options is a luxury. Hope KL uses this match to get some red-ball practice before the next Test series. Ranji Trophy quality is so high this season.

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