Manvanth Kumar hits 135 for Karnataka. [Source - X.com]
Manvanth Kumar smashed his maiden first-class century for Karnataka on Monday. The left-hander produced a brilliant 135 against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy Round 2 Match at KSCA Cricket Ground, Alur.
Batting at No. 9, Manvanth rescued Karnataka with a crucial knock as they posted 342 runs on the board. But who is the batter behind this impressive innings? Let’s take a look.
Meet Manvanth Kumar: Karnataka’s Emerging Pace-Bowling All-Rounder
The 22-year-old Manvanth Kumar is an emerging pace-bowling all-rounder who has dominated Karnataka age-group cricket. A left-handed batter and right-arm pacer, he made his first-class debut against Andhra in Round 1 of Ranji Trophy 2026-27.
Manvanth Kumar made his Karnataka debut in T20 cricket in 2024 and played List A cricket last year. He has now announced himself in red-ball cricket with a maiden first-class century in just his second match.
The all-rounder was part of the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2025 but could not make his debut. The franchise released him ahead of the 2026 season, leaving him to continue his domestic cricket journey.
Manvanth Kumar’s Recent Domestic Performances
Manvanth Kumar has impressed with the ball in domestic cricket recenlty. He claimed 17 wickets in six innings for Karnataka U23 in last season’s 50-over Men’s State A Trophy, showcasing his ability to hit the deck hard and take wickets.
One of his standout bowling performances came in the CK Nayudu Trophy final two years ago, when he took five wickets as Karnataka defeated Uttar Pradesh to lift India’s premier U23 red-ball tournament.
Manvanth’s recent performances in the Maharaja Trophy 2026 further underline his batting potential. He scored 147 runs at a staggering strike rate of 204.17, including a half-century and 13 sixes, while batting at different positions.
Although he can adapt to various roles, batting at No. 6 or 7 could suit him best. With his explosive hitting range and promising pace bowling, Manvanth is an exciting all-rounder to watch.
Manvanth Kumar Lifts Karnataka From 194/8 To 342 With Maiden First-Class Century
Manvanth Kumar’s maiden first-class century was no ordinary knock. Walking in at 187 for 7, he watched Karnataka slip further to 194 for 8 before launching a counterattack, smashing six fours and five sixes.
He ended Day 1 unbeaten on 86, then resumed the assault with greater patience the following morning. His 135-run knock lifted Karnataka to 342, with a crucial 146-run ninth-wicket partnership alongside Abhilash Shetty, who also faced 135 deliveries.
Manvanth’s 135-run knock comprised 11 fours and six sixes, but his ability to deliver under pressure stood out. Having produced rescue knocks for Karnataka’s age-group sides over the years, the 22-year-old has now offered a glimpse of his potential in Ranji Trophy.

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