Karnataka Gears Up for Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Elite C Fixtures, Squad, and Star Players to Watch

As the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season gets underway, the Karnataka State Cricket Association has announced a formidable 16-man squad to compete in the Elite C Group. The team, led by captain Mayank Agarwal, will kickstart its campaign with back-to-back matches against Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.

Karnataka Squad for 2024-25 Ranji Trophy

The Karnataka squad boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. Alongside Mayank Agarwal, who has been instrumental in Karnataka's past successes, the vice-captaincy rests with the experienced middle-order stalwart Manish Pandey. The squad includes the power-packed opener Devdutt Padikkal, a known force in Indian domestic cricket, and the highly skilled leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal, who adds depth to both the bowling and batting departments.

The full squad is as follows:

• Mayank Agarwal (Captain)
• Nikin Jose SJ
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Smaran R
• Manish Pandey (Vice Captain)
• Shreyas Gopal
• Sujay Sateri (WK)
• Hardik Raj
• Vyshak V
• Prasidh M Krishna
• Koushik V
• Luvnith Sisodia (WK)
• Mohsin Khan
• Vidyadhar Patil
• Kishan S Bedare
• Abhilash Shetty

The coaching staff, headed by Sri. Yere Goud, will be backed by experienced professionals such as Mansur Ali Khan (Bowling Coach) and Shabarish P Mohan (Fielding Coach), ensuring the team is well-prepared in all departments.

Fixtures: Key Matches to Watch

Karnataka will begin their Elite C campaign with two high-profile matches:

1. Karnataka vs Madhya Pradesh – October 11-14, 2024, at Indore
2. Karnataka vs Kerala – October 18-21, 2024, at Bangalore (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium)

Both these matches are crucial for Karnataka's progression in the tournament, especially as they face two teams that are known for their strong bowling attacks. A positive start in these matches could set the tone for a deep run in the competition.

Star Player to Watch: Mayank Agarwal

Among the star players to keep an eye on, Mayank Agarwal stands out as Karnataka's key player for the 2024-25 season. With vast experience in international cricket and a proven track record in domestic cricket, Agarwal will play a pivotal role both as a leader and as a prolific opener. His ability to anchor the innings and take on opposition bowlers will be critical to Karnataka’s chances of progressing through the group stages and beyond.

Equally important is the bowling spearhead Prasidh Krishna, who will be making a much-awaited return after his injury recovery. Known for his lethal pace and bounce, Prasidh is expected to spearhead Karnataka’s bowling attack and pose significant challenges for opposition batters.

Live Streaming and Coverage Details

For fans eager to follow Karnataka’s journey in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, the matches will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Regional sports channels will provide extensive coverage of all matches, ensuring fans do not miss out on any of the action.

Karnataka's campaign in the Ranji Trophy promises excitement, with a blend of young talents and experienced campaigners forming a strong squad. The Elite C group offers stiff competition, but Karnataka's depth in both batting and bowling makes them one of the favorites. Fans can look forward to a thrilling cricketing season as Karnataka vies for domestic supremacy in India's premier first-class tournament.