KL Rahul is set to feature for Karnataka in their opening game against Andhra Pradesh in the upcoming Ranji Trophy campaign. BCCI has reiterated the importance of domestic red-ball cricket, and several
superstars have already featured for their domestic sides in the past. KL Rahul would be keen on utilizing this opportunity to get valuable game time and red-ball practice. Rahul recently made it to the headlines in the 3rd ODI against West Indies as he smashed a superb ton in the first innings. India have their next red-ball assignment in New Zealand and the form of the Karnataka opener would be key to their success.
Karnataka would be delighted to have KL Rahul back in their squad as it could be a massive boost to their entire squad. The 2026–27 Ranji Trophy opener will see Karnataka square off against Andhra starting October 11 in Vijayawada. KL Rahul would be looking to contribute to the success of his side as he could be the leader of their formidable batting unit. Karnataka’s form in domestic ciruit has always been among the best and this time with the addition of KL Rahul, they could be unstoppable.
Karnataka squad for Ranji Trophy vs Andhra:
Smaran Ravichandran (c), Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karun Nair, Aneesh KV, Shreyas Gopal, Krutik Krishna (wk), Shrikhar Shetty, Prasidh Krishna, Abhilash Shetty, Manvanth Kumar, LR Kumar, Ritesh Bhatkal, KL Shrijith (wk)
#Karnataka #RanjiTrophy
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Rahul and Washington’s domestic inclusion underline India’s red-ball mandate
KL Rahul joins a potent Karnataka batting unit featuring experienced stalwarts Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair, alongside new stand-in captain R Smaran. Mayank Agarwal has been in fine form as he looked in good touch in the 4-match English county stint with Durham. Smaran has been an integral part of the Karnataka batting unit as he provides much needed stability to the squad. The new stand-in captain scored 68 and 125 for the Rest of India against Ranji Trophy champions Jammu & Kashmir in the Irani Cup. The absence of Devdutt Padikkal could be a massive loss for the side and they would be keen on finding an appropriate replacement for the star.
Fitness concerns continue to linger over Karnataka’s bowling department. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna faces an uncertain start to the season as he rehabs a hamstring strain sustained during the recent ODI series against the West Indies. This could be yet another blow to the Karnataka side as Prasidh Krishna has been one of their most consistent bowlers.
Washington Sundar has also been directed to turn out for Tamil Nadu against Rajasthan in Jaipur as he had been withdrawn from India’s T20I squad against West Indies. He recently won the Gold medal for India in the Asian Games in Japan, and he would be looking to contribute more. The off-spinner would be confident in regaining his red-ball form with Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy,y and this could be vital for his preparation ahead of the New Zealand tour.
India’s mandate to include senior international players in domestic cricket has been reinforced once again with KL Rahul and Washington Sundar representing their states. India’s tour of New Zealand could be a very important series for the Test side, and the form of these two could be detrimental. KL Rahul would be hopeful of scoring some valuable runs for Karnataka to get some much-needed confidence ahead of the Test series against New Zealand.
