Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Historic Mumbai-Karnataka rivalry set for latest chapter in quarterfinal

As Devdutt Padikkal walked towards the dressing room after a rigorous training session, he was greeted by Yashasvi Jaiswal. The two exchanged pleasantries and were engaged in a long conversation before obliging selfie requests.

And, it was not just them. During Thursday’s practice session, players from Mumbai and Karnataka were seen in conversation, often sharing laughter.

However, friendship will take a backseat when the two teams meet in a Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash at the MCA-BKC ground starting Friday.

On the back of a come-from-behind win against Punjab, a confident Karnataka will pin its hopes on captain Padikkal, and the seasoned K.L. Rahul and Karun Nair to fire. For Mumbai, there are concerns over the availability of Sarfaraz Khan.

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The prolific run-getter had to be rushed to a hospital due to a high fever. The batter is being constantly monitored, and his medical reports are normal. “Our team physio and the doctor who’s looking after him in the hospital are in constant touch. They are constantly monitoring him. That is the situation right now. But we are hoping that he will play,” Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur said.

If Sarfaraz fails to recover in time, it will be a massive blow to the home team. However, with Jaiswal returning to the squad and Siddhesh Lad proving his mettle with five centuries — four on the trot — there’s enough depth in Mumbai’s batting.

With the pitch likely to favour the spinners as the game progresses, it will be a challenge for the Mumbai batters to take on leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal, one of Karnataka’s most consistent bowlers. Shardul, however, isn’t thinking too much about it. “It’s going to be a tough game. It will be tough on both sides. There will be constant challenges during the game, and whoever plays better cricket will emerge as the winner,” he said.

For Karnataka, too, it’s about playing to its strength. It hasn’t won the title in more than a decade. Under Padikkal’s leadership, it hopes to play some fearless cricket and inch closer to fulfilling its dream. While it has an enviable batting line-up — featuring India internationals — the bowling unit, too, has enough firepower with the experienced Prasidh Krishna leading the pack, along with Vidwath Kaverappa and V. Vyshak.

History suggests Mumbai and Karnataka have always had an intense rivalry on the pitch. But, as another big game beckons, none of the teams is in the mood to dwell on the past. Rather, they hope to put their best foot forward and chase their dream.

Published on Feb 05, 2026