Mayank Agarwal, the out-of-favor India opener, has been appointed as Karnataka’s captain for their first two Ranji Trophy matches against Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. The 28-year-old will be eager to impress the selectors with some big runs after a lukewarm Duleep Trophy.
Agarwal’s deputy will be pacer Prasidh Krishna, who is also making a comeback to top-flight cricket after a long injury layoff. Krishna, who has a BCCI pace bowlers’ contract, will be looking to improve his wicket tally after taking just four wickets in two matches for India A in the Duleep Trophy.
Other key players in the Karnataka squad include Devdutt Padikkal, who will be hoping to continue his good form from the Duleep Trophy, and pacer Vysakh Vijayakumar, who will be eager to make his presence felt after a successful season with Kerala last year.
However, pacer Vidwath Kaverappa, who is nursing an injury, did not find a place in the 16-member squad.
Karnataka will face MP at Indore from October 11, while the former champions will take on Kerala at Bengaluru from October 18.
