Photo via The Hindu

Ranji Trophy: Karnataka faces Andhra test in opening match

Karnataka enters the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy with a fresh leadership duo as R. Smaran makes his captaincy debut, replacing Devdutt Padikkal, while R.

Vinay Kumar takes charge as head coach for the first time. The team, which finished as runners-up in the previous edition, aims to finally lift the trophy for the first time since 2014-15, starting with a high-stakes opener against Andhra at Mulapadu on Sunday.

Karnataka’s batting strength—led by K.L. Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, and the in-form Smaran—will be tested by Andhra’s experienced lineup, including Ricky Bhui and the emerging 22-year-old batter Shaik Rasheed.

However, Karnataka’s bowling attack faces a significant challenge after key fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna, Vidwath Kaverappa, V. Vyshak, and Vidyadhar Patil are sidelined by injuries, leaving young talents like Abhilash Shetty, M.

Venkatesh, and debutants L. Manvanth Kumar and L.R.

Kumar to shoulder the workload. Despite the absence of key players, Vinay Kumar remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s ability to compete at 80-85% of their potential—a mindset that proved crucial in their narrow loss to Jammu & Kashmir last season.

Andhra, though consistent in recent years with four knockout appearances in six editions, has yet to advance past the quarterfinals, adding to the intrigue of this clash.

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