The defending champions Karnataka Officially announced the squad for the upcoming game Vijay Hazare trophyshows their intentions to secure a record-extending sixth title. As one of the most successful sides in the history of India’s first domestic one-day tournament, the provincial team enters the 2025-26 season with a strong combination of seasoned international experience and emerging young talent. After a dominant win in the previous edition, the team will look to maintain their white-ball dominance as they prepare to begin the campaign in Ahmedabad.
KL Rahul captains the Karnataka squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy
The 16-man squad includes the return of India’s star players KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna. Rahul’s entry is a significant boost for the state side. Rahul, who has not featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy since 2019, brings a wealth of experience and a formidable List A record for Karnataka, averaging close to 45 in the tournament. He is expected to be available for the main matches in early January before joining the national squad for the upcoming ODI series. New Zealand.
Similarly, Prasidh will lead the bowling attack as his high pace generation and bounce make him a lethal asset in the 50-over format. His presence, reliable next to him V. Vyshak and Abhilash ShettyGives Karnataka one of the most balanced pace batteries in the competition.
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Mayank Agarwal will lead the strong unit
The crew is anchored by the captain Mayank Agarwalwas instrumental in Karnataka’s title win last season and finished the tournament as one of the top run-getters. It looks equally solid with its middle order presence Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nairand heavy hitting Abhinav Manohar.
The selection committee also rewarded internal consistency by issuing challenges to youngsters Harshil Dharmani and Dhruv Prabhakar After their impressive performances in the U-23 State ‘A’ Trophy. Shreesha Achar Shreyas will lead the spin department as a specialist slow bowler backed by the all-round capabilities of Shreyas Gopal.
Group A side Karnataka will begin their campaign in Ahmedabad on December 24. they face a tough group that includes prominent sides such as Tamil Nadu, Rajasthanand Madhya Pradesh.
Karnataka squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy: Mayank Agarwal (c), Karun Nair (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, R. Smaran, KL Shrijith, Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal, V. Vyshak, Manvanth Kumar, Shreesha Achar, Abhilash Shetty, BR Dhil Sharathr, D. Prabhakar.
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