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Ranji Trophy: Karnataka faces Andhra test in opening match

Karnataka opens Ranji Trophy vs Andhra, led by Smaran, as new coach Vinay Kumar builds a creditable title bid despite injuries.

By Authors and Contributors · The Hindu

Published: Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 4:08 PM

Key Things to Know

Karnataka opens its Ranji Trophy campaign against Andhra at Mulapadu on Sunday.
R. Smaran makes his captaincy debut for Karnataka, replacing Devdutt Padikkal.
R. Vinay Kumar begins his maiden coaching stint in charge of Karnataka.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Karnataka will begin its new Ranji Trophy campaign against Andhra at Mulapadu on Sunday under new captain R. Smaran and maiden head coach R. Vinay Kumar. The team is aiming to claim its first Ranji Trophy title since the 2014-15 season following a runner-up finish to Jammu & Kashmir in the previous edition.

While Karnataka boasts an experienced batting order featuring K.L. Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Karun Nair, several frontline fast bowlers are sidelined by injury, including Prasidh Krishna and Vidwath Kaverappa. Andhra enters the match led by captain Ricky Bhui and head coach Gary Stead.

Read the full article on The Hindu

Ranji Trophy: Karnataka faces Andhra test in opening match

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