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Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Andhra in command, but Karnataka’s Karun Nair refuses to blink

Karnataka’s Karun Nair anchored a resilient comeback with an unbeaten 81 off 130 balls, steering his side from a 144-run first-innings deficit against Andhra in the Ranji Trophy opener. The 34-year-old’s aggressive strokeplay—including maximums against left-arm spinners Saurabh Kumar and Lalith Mohan—helped Karnataka trim the deficit to 144 before closing at 176 for four, though Andhra’s 418 set a daunting target.

Debutant Manvanth Kumar (44) paired with Nair for a crucial 94-run stand, while Andhra’s top order collapsed early, with K.L. Rahul and Mayank Agarwal both dismissed for single-digit scores.

Left-arm spinner Shikhar Shetty’s career-best figures of six for 115 in Andhra’s first innings raised questions about Karnataka’s bowling depth, but Nair’s composure kept the match alive as the hosts look to extend their early lead in the tournament.

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