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Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Karnataka seeks to break Saurashtra hoodoo without captain Smaran

Karnataka will look to end an eight-year drought against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy when the two sides clash in an Elite Group-B match at Alur Grounds. The Southern side, which last won the title in 2014-15, has lost every encounter against Saurashtra since 2009, while the Western team has dominated recent editions with two titles and two runner-up finishes.

Leading Karnataka will be Shreyas Gopal, who takes over as captain after R. Smaran joined India-A for their New Zealand tour.

Gopal, who had a standout season last year with 48 wickets and 469 runs, will aim to replicate his form after sitting out the previous match due to dehydration. Karnataka’s bowling could gain from the return of pacers Vidwath Kaverappa and V.

Vyshak, while batsmen like Karun Nair—who scored 155 not out against Andhra—will be key. Saurashtra, though, enters with momentum after a draw and three points to Karnataka’s one, though their recent Ranji runs have stalled beyond the quarterfinals in the last three seasons.

The absence of India spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who made 102 and took three wickets in their opener, adds another layer to the matchup, with captain Jaydev Unadkat noting the team’s depth despite his unavailability.

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