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Former India fast bowler R. Vinay Kumar will lead Karnataka's coaching staff as the state team prepares for the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy season. Karnataka have named KL Rahul in their squad for the opening fixture against Andhra, scheduled to begin on October 11 in Vijayawada.
The squad announcement also brings a leadership change, with R. Smaran appointed captain in place of Devdutt Padikkal. Karnataka, who finished runners-up in the previous Ranji Trophy season, will look to build a strong start under their new coaching set-up.
The opening fixture offers KL Rahul an opportunity to gain valuable red-ball match practice ahead of India's upcoming Test tour of New Zealand.
Vinay Kumar, a former India fast bowler and successful Karnataka captain, takes charge of the team as it begins another campaign in India's premier domestic first-class competition.
He previously led Karnataka to consecutive Ranji Trophy titles in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons. His experience as a player and captain gives him a strong connection with the state's domestic cricket tradition.
Karnataka reached the final last season but lost to Jammu and Kashmir. The new coaching staff will be tasked with helping the team compete for the title again.
KL Rahul has been named in Karnataka's 15-member squad for the match against Andhra, scheduled to start on October 11 in Vijayawada.
Rahul's participation is expected to provide valuable preparation ahead of India's forthcoming Test assignment against New Zealand. He featured in three matches for Karnataka during the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, scoring 457 runs, according to reporting by Rediff citing PTI.
His presence adds international experience to a Karnataka batting line-up that also includes Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair.
R. Smaran has been appointed captain for the opening match, taking over from Devdutt Padikkal.
The 15-member squad includes experienced batters, specialist bowlers and wicketkeeping options as Karnataka prepare for the opening round.
Padikkal is absent from the announced squad. His omission should not be interpreted as an injury or disciplinary issue without an official explanation. His wider India A commitments have also been reported, but his precise availability for future Karnataka matches requires confirmation.
India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been named in the squad, although his participation was reported to be uncertain after he sustained a hamstring injury during the ODI series against the West Indies.
His availability will depend on his recovery and the team's assessment ahead of the match. Karnataka also face questions over their bowling depth, with Vysakh Vijaykumar and Vidwath Kaverappa reported to be recovering from injuries or fitness concerns.
These absences could place additional responsibility on the other bowlers in the squad, depending on the final team selection.
The announced 15-member squad is:
R. Smaran (captain)
KL Rahul
Karun Nair
Mayank Agarwal
A. Gautam
K. V. Aneesh
Shreyas Gopal
Kruthik Krishna
Shikhar Shetty
Prasidh Krishna
Abhilash Shetty
Manvanth Kumar
L. R. Kumar
Ritesh Bhatkal
K. L. Shrijith
Final playing XI and individual availability should be confirmed closer to the match.
Karnataka's opening fixture is an early opportunity to assess the team's new leadership and preparation. The presence of Rahul, Agarwal and Nair gives the batting group substantial experience, while Smaran takes on the responsibility of leading the side.
The bowling combination will depend partly on fitness updates, particularly concerning Prasidh Krishna and other recovering players.
With the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy season beginning on October 11, Karnataka will be aiming to turn last season's runner-up finish into another strong campaign.
1. Rediff / PTI — KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna named in Karnataka's Ranji Trophy opener vs Andhra
Supports: Squad list, match date and venue, Vinay Kumar's appointment, Smaran's captaincy and reported injury concerns.
2. NDTV Sports / PTI — KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna named in Karnataka's Ranji Trophy squad for opener against Andhra Pradesh
Supports: Rahul's selection, the opening fixture and the uncertainty surrounding Prasidh Krishna.
3. The Indian Express — Ranji Trophy 2026–27 schedule, round-one matches, groups and squads
Supports: The start of the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy season and opening-round context.
4. Sportstar — Karnataka Ranji Trophy preview and squad
