Karnataka has announced significant changes for their upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match against Punjab. Devdutt Padikkal will lead the team, replacing Mayank Agarwal, who will now focus solely on batting. Padikkal’s exceptional performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 725 runs at an average of 90.62, has earned him the captaincy.
The team, currently ranked third in Elite Group B, will see the return of KL Rahul to the squad. Rahul, who excelled in the recent ODI series against New Zealand, will join India’s fast bowler Prasidh Krishna in the 15-member squad. The bowling attack will also feature experienced players like Vidwath Kaverappa and Mohsin Khan.
However, the team will miss the presence of Abhinav Manohar in the middle order and Karun Nair due to injury. Nair is undergoing rehabilitation and will not be available for the Punjab match, impacting Karnataka’s batting depth. The squad includes a strong batting lineup with players like Mayank, Rahul, Aneesh KV, Smaran R, and Shreyas Gopal, along with wicketkeeping options in Kruthik Krishna and Shrijith KL.
