Mysuru: For the first time in the history, four players from KSCA Mysuru Zone have been named in the Karnataka State Ranji Team. The players, who have been selected from Mysuru are: Wicket Keeper/Batsman Kruthik Krishna, Pacers L. Manvanth Kumar, M. Venkatesh and L.R. Kumar.

Meanwhile, R. Smaran will be leading the team in the absence of Devdutt Padikkal, who is representing India ‘A’ against Australia ‘A’.

The team will include experienced players like K.L. Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair and Shreyas Gopal.

Karnataka will open this season’s Ranji Tropy campaign against Andhra Pradesh on   Oct. 11 at Vijayawada.   

Meanwhile, regular pacers Vyshak Vijaykumar and Vidwath Kaverappa are said to have been ruled out for the first match due to injuries.

Experienced off-spinner Ritesh Bhatkal has also been named in the squad following an impressive outing at the Dr. (Capt.) K. Thimmappaiah Memorial Tournament and KSCA First Division League.

The Team: R. Smaran (Captain), Mayank Agarwal, K.L. Rahul, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karun Nair, K.V. Aneesh, Shreyas Gopal, Kruthik Krishna, Shikhar Shetty, Prasidh Krishna, Abhilash Shetty, L. Manvanth Kumar, L.R. Kumar, Ritesh Bhatkal, K.L. Shrijith.