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Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Manvanth’s remarkable rescue act keeps Karnataka alive against Saurashtra

Karnataka staged a dramatic recovery in their Ranji Trophy encounter against Saurashtra, thanks to a career-defining performance from young batsman Manvanth Kumar. Batting at number nine, the 22-year-old southpaw anchored the innings with an unbeaten 86 off 124 balls, featuring six fours and five towering sixes, including two off India fast-bowler Jaydev Unadkat.

His audacious strokeplay, including three sixes off left-arm spinner Parth Bhut, lifted Karnataka from 194 for eight to a respectable 281 for eight on the first day at Alur Grounds. Kumar’s maiden First-Class fifty came off just 65 balls, setting the stage for a potential century in his second appearance for the team after a crucial 44 in his debut match against Andhra last week.

The innings was pivotal, as Karnataka’s other batsmen struggled, with only Mayank Agarwal (42) and K.V. Aneesh (59) providing meaningful resistance before a rash shot from Aneesh fell short against Saurashtra’s Chetan Sakariya.

Abhilash Shetty’s unbeaten 6 also proved vital, as the pair added 87 runs for the eighth wicket to salvage the innings. Karnataka’s top order, including debutants Rohan Patil and Aneeshwar Gautam, failed to capitalize early, but Kumar’s resilience ensured the team avoided a humiliating collapse and returned to the pavilion with renewed confidence.

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