Padikkal replaces Mayank as Karnataka captain, KL Rahul back for Punjab Ranji match

Bengaluru, Jan 26: Karnataka have made significant changes ahead of their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match against Punjab, appointing Devdutt Padikkal as captain with KL Rahul also returning to the squad for the fixture scheduled to be played at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, from February 1.

Padikkal has replaced Mayank Agarwal, who will now play only as a batter. Padikkal was in prime form in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 725 runs in just nine innings at an exceptional average of 90.62.

Karnataka, who are currently placed third in Elite Group B in the ongoing Ranji season, have been strengthened with Rahul returning to the side after performing well in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home.