Ranji Trophy 2025-26 round 3 preview: Kerala, Karnataka look for first win of season
Kerala and Karnataka will seek their first win of the season when the two sides meet in the third round Group B match at the KCA Stadium, Mangalapuram on Saturday.
After an underwhelming start to its campaign this season, Kerala will look to maximise home advantage to turnaround its fortunes against a Karnataka side which hasn’t been at its best.
But Kerala is yet to find the right team combination with the void left by Jalaj Saxena appearing bigger with each match. Further, Mohammed Azharuddeen has not looked comfortable in the robes of leadership. The captaincy has stifled his free-flowing batting style and he hasn’t been an inspirational leader either.
For Kerala, the batting has been a big worry this season with the top-order failing to fire. To compound the woes is Salman Nizar’s injury which has forced him to miss this match. However, Ahammed Imran’s gritty knock and B. Aparajith’s timely return to form hold promise for the host. With selectors dropping opener Vathsal Govind, his replacement, Krishna Prasad may get a look-in.
Kerala’s bowling is heavily dependent on conditions. Pace bowlers M.D. Nidheesh and N.P. Basil are good when there is help from the surface but otherwise look pretty ordinary. Off-spinner Vyshak Chandran has been added to strengthen the spin bowling department where Ankit Sharma has ploughed a lonely furrow.
The Mayank Agarwal-led Kerala hasn’t had a perfect run so far but will look to exploit Kerala’s frailties. The prodigal returns of Karun Nair and Shreyas Gopal have been impactful for the side. Nair is back doing what he does the best, piling runs in domestic cricket while Shreyas’ dogged batting and crafty bowling has been useful for Karnataka.
Kerala would also be aware of the threat posed by Karnataka’s pacers. There will be help for pacers early on at the venue, which will be making its Ranji Trophy debut, making toss a vital factor in the contest.
Published on Oct 31, 2025
