Devdutt Padikkal to lead Karnataka as KL Rahul returns in must-win Ranji Trophy clash

Padikkal to lead Karnataka [Source: X]Karnataka have made bold moves ahead of their final Ranji Trophy league match of the season against Punjab, bringing KL Rahul back into the squad and naming Devdutt Padikkal as captain. With qualification hopes alive, the team has reshaped leadership and personnel at a crucial stage.The Group B match in Mohali, starting from January 29th, has become a virtual knockout for Karnataka after their recent loss to Madhya Pradesh. Sitting third in Group table with two wins and 21 points, they need a win to stay in the playoff race, making every selection call and leadership decision very much significant. Changes in the Karnataka State Cricket Association administration have also set the backdrop for these decisions. With a new president and selection committee in place, Karnataka appears keen to back fresh direction while still relying on proven names for stability. Devdutt Padikkal named Karnataka captain Devdutt Padikkal replacing Mayank Agarwal as captain is the biggest talking point ahead of the Punjab game. The move signals Karnataka’s trust in Padikkal’s calm approach and recent white-ball success, even though his Ranji season has not been the best. Padikkal played only the opening match earlier in the first leg of the Ranji Trophy this season, scoring 96 and 15. He later came in for the white-ball tournaments with a stellar Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, scoring 725 runs in nine innings at an average above 90 as Karnataka reached the semi-finals. However, his return to red-ball cricket was tough, as he registered two ducks against Madhya Pradesh in the last Ranji match. Despite that setback, Karnataka have backed him to lead in a pressure situation, underlining faith in his long-term value. KL Rahul headlines Karnataka’s squad for must win clash KL Rahul’s inclusion adds experience and star power to Karnataka’s batting. The India batter has played only two Ranji matches since 2018, with his last appearance coming in January 2025, making his return a major boost for a must-win encounter. Even though Mayank Agarwal has been removed as captain, he remains part of the playing group as a specialist batter. He has scored 298 runs this season, including a century, and continues to be seen as an important figure in Karnataka’s lineup. The squad also welcomes back Ravichandran Smaran from injury, strengthening the batting further. However, Karun Nair misses out due to a split webbing, while Prasidh Krishna is set to lead the pace attack in his first appearance this season. Karnataka hold edge over Punjab ahead of crucial test Karnataka now faces Punjab knowing the stakes could not be higher. With leadership handed to Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul returning to the Ranji fold, the team blends fresh energy with elite experience at a decisive point in the tournament. Karnataka squad Mayank Agarawal KL Rahul Aneesh KV Devdutt Padikkal (Captain) Smaran R Shreyas Gopal Kruthik Krishna (WK) Venkatesh M Vidyadhar Patil Vidwath Kaverappa Prasidh M Krishna Mohsin Khan Shikhar Shetty Shrijith KL (WK) Dhruv Prabhakar