KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna named in Karnataka Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Karnataka name KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna in their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 squad, with Mayank Agarwal leading the defending champions
Karnataka have picked KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna in their 16-member squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, giving the defending champions a strong boost at the start of the tournament.
Mayank Agarwal will continue as captain, while Karun Nair has been named vice-captain after his excellent Ranji Trophy season. The core of the title-winning side has been retained, with a mix of experience and young talent.
Karnataka will begin their 50-over campaign on December 24 in Ahmedabad. All their Group A matches will be played at the same venue, allowing the team to settle into conditions quickly.
Rahul and Prasidh are expected to be available only for the first phase of the tournament. Both players are likely to leave midway as India’s ODI series against New Zealand begins on January 11, which could affect Karnataka during the knockouts.
The squad includes young batters Harshil Dharmani and Dhruv Prabhakar, who have been rewarded for their big scores at the Under-23 level. Their inclusion adds depth to the middle order and gives the selectors fresh options.
Shreesha Achar is the only specialist spinner in the main squad, with Shreyas Gopal expected to shoulder the main spin duties as an all-round option. The pace attack will be led by Prasidh, V. Vyshak and Abhilash Shetty.
Pacers Vidwath Kaverappa and Vidyadhar Patel will travel with the team as reserves. They will be available for selection if injuries or workload management come into play during the tournament.
With experienced names like Rahul, Agarwal and Karun at the top, and exciting youngsters pushing for spots, Karnataka will be confident of making a strong start. The challenge will be to stay steady once their India stars depart.
Full squad: Mayank Agarwal (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair (vc), R. Smaran, KL Shrijith, Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal, V. Vyshak, Manvanth Kumar L, Shreesha S Achar, Abhilash Shetty, Sharath BR, Harshil Dharmani, Dhruv Prabhakar, KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna.
