Karnataka will be without their experienced batter KL Rahul for the penultimate Elite Group C Ranji Trophy fixture against Punjab, starting January 23. Rahul, who is recovering from an elbow injury, was not included in the squad for this crucial match.
Potential Return for Final League Match
Reports suggest that Rahul might make a comeback for Karnataka’s last league game against Haryana on January 30. Additionally, he has been named in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match home series against England, beginning February 6. The star batter is also part of the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19.
Leadership Changes and Key Players
Opener Mayank Agarwal will captain Karnataka’s 16-man squad. India pacer Prasidh Krishna and top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal, who has been in fine form with a half-century and a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, are also included. All-rounder Shreyas Gopal, who played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s victorious Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign with 18 wickets, has been named as the team’s vice-captain.
Karnataka Squad for the Punjab Match
The 16-member squad features a blend of youth and experience:
- Captain: Mayank Agarwal
- Vice-Captain: Shreyas Gopal
- Players: Devdutt Padikkal, KV Aneesh, R Smaran, KL Shrijith (wicketkeeper), Abhinav Manohar, Hardik Raj, Prasidh Krishna, Vasuki Koushik, Abhilash Shetty, Yasovardhan Parantap, Nikin Jose, Vidyadhar Patil, Sujay Satheri (wicketkeeper), Mohsin Khan.
The team looks well-prepared under the leadership of Mayank Agarwal, with a strong bowling attack and a promising batting lineup.
