Smaran to miss Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy match against MP; Nikin Jose added to squad

An injured R. Smaran will miss Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, which commences at the Alur (1) Ground in Bengaluru on January 22.

Batter Smaran had missed Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy semifinal here on Thursday due to a shoulder injury.

Smaran’s absence is a blow, given that the southpaw has been in fine form. Before the Ranji Trophy came to a break, Smaran had notched up 595 runs at an average of 119.

Batter KL Rahul is not in the squad, despite his India ODI duties against New Zealand finishing on January 18. Rahul is not a part of the T20I squad, which will take on the Kiwis after the ODIs.

Karnataka sits on top of Elite Group B with 21 points.

Published on Jan 16, 2026