Karnataka face Bengal in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy opener
A revamped Karnataka squad featuring Manish Pandey will begin their Elite Group A campaign at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
Karnataka will begin their Elite Group A Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign against Bengal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, according to the Deccan Herald.
The team has undergone significant changes, including the removal of veterans Mayank Agarwal and Shreyas Gopal from the squad.
The two-time champions have failed to reach the knockout stages for three consecutive years since 2023 and have only reached one final since their last title in 2019-20.
Manish Pandey, who captained the side during their consecutive Mushtaq Ali title wins, has been brought back into the mix at age 37.
Captain Smaran R returns to the side following a recent India A call-up, alongside Karun Nair and Pandey to provide batting stability.
The squad includes all-rounder Manvanth Kumar, leg-spinner Pravin Dubey, and fast bowlers Vidwath Kaverappa and Vyshak Vijaykumar.