Photo via The Hindu

Ranji Trophy: Karnataka takes on strong challenger Saurashtra

Karnataka will look to end an eight-year drought against Saurashtra in their upcoming Ranji Trophy Elite Group-B clash at Alur Grounds, aiming to break a losing streak that dates back to 2009. The home side, led by captain Shreyas Gopal, will rely on his all-round contributions—he took 48 wickets and scored 469 runs last season—while also counting on the return of pacers Vidwath Kaverappa and V.

Vyshak. Karnataka’s top order, however, will need to step up after key batsmen K.L.

Rahul and R. Smaran were absent in their last match, with Karun Nair’s recent form (including a 155-not-out) offering a bright spot amid uncertainty from Mayank Agarwal and K.V.

Aneesh.

Saurashtra, fresh off a drawn match but with three points to Karnataka’s one, arrives as a formidable opponent despite struggling to advance past the quarterfinals in the last three seasons. The absence of India spinner Ravindra Jadeja—who scored a century and took three wickets in their opener—will test their depth, though captain Jaydev Unadkat emphasized the team’s balanced squad and the added motivation of facing Karnataka.

With rain a potential disruptor, both sides will need sharp performances to secure a victory in this high-stakes encounter.

Up nextCricket· 34m ago

When I attack, I don’t have self-doubt: Urvil