Smaran, on captaincy debut, and Vinay Kumar, for whom it will be a maiden coaching stint in charge of Karnataka, have their task cut out

VIJAYAWADA: SSeven months after finishing second best to Jammu & Kashmir in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, Karnataka will begin yet another campaign with the singular aim of bringing home the trophy that has eluded it since 2014-15.

The first outing will be against Andhra at Mulapadu near here. But, R. Smaran, on captaincy debut (in place of Devdutt Padikkal), and R. Vinay Kumar, for whom it will be a maiden coaching stint in charge of Karnataka, have their task cut out.

While K.L. Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair and the in-form Smaran dominate the batting line-up, the fast-bowling department appears airy, with Prasidh Krishna, Vidwath Kaverappa, V. Vyshak and Vidyadhar Patil all out injured.

The responsibility will have to be shouldered by Abhilash Shetty and M. Venkatesh, who both have five caps each, and L. Manvanth Kumar and L.R. Kumar, both of whom are yet to make their First Class debuts.

Vinay, though, was upbeat. “We will miss some experience and quality, but I am confident in the upcoming bowlers’ ability,” he told The Hindu.

In Andhra, Karnataka has a strong opponent. Led by the seasoned Ricky Bhui and coached by the astute Kiwi Gary Stead, it has in its ranks the promising 22-year-old batter Shaik Rasheed. Off-spinner T. Vijay, who has totalled 50 First Class wickets over the past two seasons, will be keenly watched.

Four knockout appearances in the last six editions indicate quality. But it is also a fact that Andhra hasn’t gone past the quarterfinals in any of them.

“We can’t take anyone lightly; the best example is J&K, who beat us to win the title,” Vinay insisted. “Andhra is a good side, but I have always believed that if we can play at 80 to 85% of our potential, we will be very tough to beat.”

A tone-setting performance will bode well.