KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna named in Karnataka’s squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

KL Rahul. (Photo Source: BCCI/X)

Karnataka has received a major boost ahead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 with the inclusion of star Indian players, KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna, in their squad. The defending champions will begin their 50-over campaign on December 24 in Ahmedabad.

Rahul and Krishna, both part of India’s current ODI setup, were recently involved in the home series against South Africa. Rahul, who captained India during the ODI leg, returns to domestic cricket after a prolonged absence due to international commitments. Meanwhile, Krishna’s inclusion adds much-needed pace and experience to the bowling attack.

Defending champions Karnataka have announced a 16-member squad, with Mayank Agarwal set to lead the team. Karun Nair, who has enjoyed an impressive Ranji Trophy season, has been named vice-captain. Nair’s red-ball form has been hard to ignore, and the selectors have rewarded consistency with responsibility.

The selection panel, chaired by Amit Verma, clarified that pacers Vidwath Kaverappa and Vidyadhar Patel, though not named in the main squad, will travel with the team to Ahmedabad and remain available for match duty.

Youngsters Harshil Dharmani and Dhruv Prabhakar have earned their call-ups following standout performances in the U-23 State ‘A’ Trophy. Dharmani grabbed attention with a match-winning 142 against Tamil Nadu, while Prabhakar hit a 126 against Vidarbha. Left-arm spinner Shreesha Achar has been named as the lone specialist slow bowler in the squad.

Karnataka has been placed in Group A alongside Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Tripura, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. All group-stage matches, including the opener against Jharkhand on December 24, will be played in Ahmedabad.

However, Rahul and Prasidh are expected to leave mid-tournament due to India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11. Their departure could see them miss the latter part of the group stage and the knockouts.