In a major shake-up ahead of their final Ranji Trophy league fixture, Karnataka has appointed Devdutt Padikkal as captain, replacing veteran opener Mayank Agarwal. The decision comes at a critical juncture for the team, as they prepare for a high-stakes, “must-win” encounter against Punjab in Alur. Despite losing the captaincy, Agarwal remains in the squad as one of the six specialist batters, ensuring his experience stays in the mix for this pressure-cooker game.
The leadership change reflects a broader shift within the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Following the election of former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad as president, a new selection committee led by Amit Verma was established in December. This new regime appears ready to make bold calls to revitalize the state’s red-ball fortunes.
Star-Studded Boost: KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna Return to the Mix
The headline news for Karnataka fans isn’t just the change in captaincy, but the significant return of KL Rahul. Having played only two Ranji Trophy matches since 2018—the most recent being in January 2025—Rahul’s inclusion provides a massive psychological and technical boost to a batting lineup that has struggled for consistency. Joining him in the comeback circle is speedster Prasidh Krishna, who is set for his first appearance of the season to lead the bowling attack.
While the return of Rahul and Krishna strengthens the spine of the team, the squad faces a mixed bag of fitness news. Ravichandran Smaran returns after an injury layoff, but the team will be without the seasoned Karun Nair, who is still sidelined with a split webbing suffered during the recent defeat to Madhya Pradesh.
The Stakes: A Tight Race for the Knockouts
The timing of these changes couldn’t be more dramatic. Following a tough loss to Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka currently sits third in Group B with 21 points. They trailing behind Maharashtra (24 points) and Madhya Pradesh (22 points). With Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh slated to face each other in their final league game, Karnataka’s path to the knockouts is clear: they must beat Punjab to keep their title hopes alive.
Padikkal takes the reins during a season of extreme highs and lows. While he struggled in his last outing with two ducks, his record-breaking form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—where he smashed 725 runs at an average of 90.62—proves he has the temperament to lead from the front. The selectors are banking on that spark to ignite a winning performance in Alur.
