KL Rahul to play for Karnataka in VHT: Details here
What's the story
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has announced its squad for the upcoming 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. The defending champions will play their Group 'A' matches in Ahmedabad, starting December 24. The team features Indian internationals KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna, who were part of the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa. Rahul, who was the stand-in skipper in the ODIs against SA, will play under Mayank Agarwal's captaincy in the upcoming VHT season.
Clarification
Chairman clarifies squad selections and travel plans
As per Sportstar, Amit Verma, the chairman of the Karnataka senior men's selection panel, has clarified that pacers Vidwath Kaverappa and Vidyadhar Patel are not in the squad list. However, both players will travel with the team to Ahmedabad and be available for match duty. This decision was made despite their absence from the final squad.
Leadership roles
Karun Nair appointed as vice-captain
Karun Nair, who impressed in the Ranji Trophy, has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Karnataka squad. Harshil Dharmani and Dhruv Prabhakar have also earned spots in the squad owing to their impressive performances at last month's U-23 State 'A' Trophy. Dharmani scored a match-winning 142 against Tamil Nadu in the U-23 State 'A' Trophy, while Prabhakar scored a valiant 126 against Vidarbha. Shreesha Achar is included as the only specialist slow bowler in this year's Karnataka team for Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Information
A look at the Karnataka squad
Karnataka squad: Mayank Agarwal (captain), Karun Nair (vice-captain), Devdutt Padikkal, R. Smaran, KL Shrijith, Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal, V. Vyshak, Manvanth Kumar, Shreesha Achar, Abhilash Shetty, B.R. Sharath, Harshil Dharmani, Dhruv Prabhakar, KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna.
Stats
Rahul averages 46.67 in the 50-over format
Rahul was in fine form in the recently concluded ODIs against the Proteas. He hammered 60 and 66* in the first two ODIs. Overall in 91 ODIs for India, Rahul has bagged 3,218 runs from 83 innings at 49.50 with 7 tons and 20 fifties. Meanwhile, the star batter has scored 5,228 runs in List A cricket. He averages a neat 46.67 from 143 matches (135 innings) with 11 tons and 33 fifties.