Smaran Out, Nikin Jose In: Squad Update for Karnataka’s Ranji Clash Against MP

R. Smaran, who is currently dealing with an injury, will be absent from Karnataka’s upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. This match is scheduled to begin on January 22 at the Alur (1) Ground in Bengaluru. Smaran, a batter, also missed Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy semifinal on Thursday due to his shoulder injury.

Smaran’s absence is notable as he has been performing exceptionally well. Prior to the Ranji Trophy break, he accumulated 595 runs, boasting an impressive average of 119.

KL Rahul is also not part of the squad, even though his ODI commitments with India against New Zealand concluded on January 18. He is not included in the T20I squad that will face the Kiwis following the ODIs.

Karnataka currently leads Elite Group B with 21 points.

THE SQUAD
Mayank Agarwal (c), Nikin Jose, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair, K.L. Shrijith, Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal, Vidyadhar Patil, Vidwath Kaverappa, Abhilash Shetty, Mohsin Khan, Shikhar Shetty, Kruthik Krishna, K.V. Aneesh, M. Venkatesh.

Published on Jan 16, 2026