KL Rahul, India’s Test vice-captain, and Ravichandran Smaran, Karnataka’s recently appointed skipper, are expected to miss their state team’s Round 2 match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2026-27.
Karnataka is due to face Saurashtra in this match and is looking for a new captain, with important players KL Rahul, Smaran, and Devdutt Padikkal absent.
For the uninitiated, the aforementioned players are scheduled to go to New Zealand and join the India A squad for the tour, with the first unofficial Test beginning on October 24 with a four-day match at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. Meanwhile, the second round of the Ranji Trophy would begin on October 18 and continue until October 21, allowing India A players to report well in advance if they had made themselves available for the Saurashtra match.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Cricket Association is looking for a new captain to lead them in Smaran’s absence. The clear favorites to lead the eight-time champions are ace batter Karun Nair and in-form all-rounder Shreyas Gopal. However, opening batter Mayank Agarwal may be considered as the interim skipper, given his seniority and previous captaincy experience.
Karnataka failed to produce a positive outcome versus Andhra in their season-opening match this season. The match was tied, with Andhra taking the first innings lead. Smaran hammered a battling 126 off 218 in the first innings, taking Karnataka’s total to 273 from 22-4 at one stage. However, their bowlers surrendered 418 runs against Andhra. Karun’s undefeated 155 in the second innings could only secure a draw after four days of play in Vijaywada.
Meanwhile, the KSCA has yet to identify the squad for the second-round match, which will take place at the Platinum Oval in Alur, although an announcement is expected soon.
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Meanwhile, the India A squad’s tour of New Zealand is significant since it will serve as a shadow tour for the senior India team. Dhruv Jurel will lead the A team, which will also include mainstay members Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Washington Sundar. Rishabh Pant’s participation in the series is subject to fitness clearance.
Rohit Mishra is a cricket content writer who enjoys exploring team statistics, player achievements, match highlights, and tournament stories to keep readers informed and connected with the game.
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