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Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Karnataka looks for tone-setting win to start season against Andhra

Karnataka enters the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign aiming to break a three-season trophy drought, starting with a crucial opener against Andhra in Mulapadu. With Devdutt Padikkal unavailable, R.

Smaran will lead the side for the first time, while R. Vinay Kumar makes his debut as head coach.

The batting lineup, anchored by K.L. Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, and the in-form Smaran, remains strong, but the bowling attack faces challenges after key players—including Prasidh Krishna, Vidwath Kaverappa, V.

Vyshak, and Vidyadhar Patil—are sidelined by injuries. Young prospects like L.

Manvanth Kumar, L.R. Kumar, and M.

Venkatesh will step up, though experience will be sorely missed. Across the border, Andhra, led by Ricky Bhui and guided by Gary Stead, boasts emerging talent like 22-year-old batter Shaik Rasheed and off-spinner T.

Vijay, who has taken 50 First Class wickets in the last two seasons. Despite four knockout appearances in six editions, Andhra has yet to advance past the quarterfinals, but Karnataka’s coach remains cautious, emphasizing the need to perform at 80-85% of capacity to overcome tough opposition.

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