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Toss Winner - Karnataka won the toss and choose to bat first
Karnataka eye first win as Kerala defend home turf
We predict that Karnataka will defeat Kerala
| Tournament: | Ranji Trophy, 2025-26 |
| Format: | test |
| Venue: | Thiruvananthapuram, KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram, India, India |
| Toss Prediction: | To Bat |
| Weather: | 30°C°C|Partly sunny |
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The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 continues with a key Group B clash between Kerala and Karnataka at the KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram, from November 1 to 4, starting at 9:30 AM IST. Both teams are yet to register a win this season, making this an important fixture in their quest to climb the points table. The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier first-class competition, has already produced competitive cricket this season.
Kerala, currently 7th in the Elite Group B with 2 points, have drawn both their matches so far. Karnataka, positioned 4th with 4 points, have also drawn both their games. In recent encounters, both sides have been evenly matched, with Kerala showing better form overall in their last five matches, winning two compared to Karnataka’s single victory. This encounter promises to be a battle of resilience and redemption between two well-matched sides.
KEL
206/9 in 50.0 4.12
VHT
Bengal beat Kerala by 24 runs
182/10 in 46.5 3.89
403/4 in 50.0 8.06
VHT
Baroda beat Kerala by 62 runs
341/10 in 45.5 7.44
69/2 in 7.5 8.81
SMAT
Kerala beat Goa by 11 runs
143/6 in 13.0 11
234/5 in 20.0 11.7
SMAT
Kerala beat Mumbai by 43 runs
191/9 in 20.0 9.55
187/7 in 20.0 9.35
SMAT
Maharashtra beat Kerala by 4 wickets
189/6 in 19.5 9.53
KTA
247/10 in 49.2 5.01
VHT
Karnataka beat Punjab by 1 wickets
251/9 in 47.3 5.28
Kerala will enjoy the advantage of playing at home as they host Karnataka at the KCA Cricket Ground in Mangalapuram. The team has had a cautious start to their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 campaign, drawing both of their opening matches. They had finished 2nd in their group in the previous season. With 2 points so far, they currently stand 7th in Elite Group B, still searching for their first win of the season.
Kerala have made a steady start to the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy. In their previous game versus Punjab, they posted a respectable 371/7 in response to Punjab’s 436 thanks to 86 run innings by Ahammed Imran down the order. In the opening game, against Maharashtra, they managed 219 in their only completed batting effort and forced a draw after Maharashtra’s 239 in the first innings - narrowly missing out on the first innings lead. Kerala remain unbeaten in their first two matches, picking up two draws while waiting to convert promising positions into victory.
In the batting department, Salman Nizar has been the standout performer, scoring 657 runs in 9 matches at an impressive average of 82.13, while Mohammed Azharuddeen continues to anchor the innings at the top with 646 runs in 10 matches at 64.6. On the bowling front, MD Nidheesh has been Kerala’s leading strike bowler, taking 33 wickets in 9 matches at 2.98 economy, supported by Nedumankuzhy Basil, who has picked up 22 wickets in 7 games. With home advantage, dependable top-order batters, and a disciplined bowling unit, Kerala enter this contest with confidence and a real chance to secure their first win of the season.
Key players: Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil
Mohammed Azharuddeen, Salman Nizar, Ankit Sharma, Rohan Kunnummal, Sachin Baby, Baba Aparajith, MD Nidheesh, Akshay Chandran, Ahammed Imran, Vathsal Govind, Nedumankuzhy Basil
Mohammed Azharuddeen, Akshay Chandran, Baba Aparajith, Sachin Baby, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil, Eden Tom, Ahamed Imran, Shoun Roger, Harikrishnan MU, Vaisakh Chandran, Krishna Prasad
Karnataka head to Mangalapuram for their third match of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, looking to build momentum after two drawn encounters. The side currently sits 4th in Elite Group B with 4 points, having shared points with both Saurashtra and Maharashtra in their opening games. They managed first innings lead against Goa to secure 3 crucial points.
In their previous game against Goa, Karnataka lost the toss and batted first. Karnataka capitalized on the opportunity, posting a solid 371 all out, powered by Karun Nair’s unbeaten 174 off 267 balls and Shreyas Gopal’s 57. In response, Goa were bowled out for 217, with Vidwath Kaverappa starring with 5 for 51. Rain interruptions later halted play, resulting in a draw despite Karnataka’s dominance. However, Karnataka secured points for first inning lead.
Statistically, Karnataka’s recent top performers reflect the side’s balance. Ravichandran Smaran has scored 606 runs in his last 9 matches at an average of 55.09, while Mayank Agarwal continues to provide reliability at the top with 484 runs in 10 matches at 32.27. On the bowling front, Shreyas Gopal (31 wickets, econ 3.28) and Vidwath Kaverappa (15 wickets, econ 2.72) remain the key strike bowlers. Historically, Karnataka have maintained an even record against Kerala, with their last two meetings ending in draws. However, with a deeper batting lineup and more seasoned bowling attack, Karnataka enter this contest with an edge in experience and squad depth.
Key players: Ravichandran Smaran, Mayank Agarwal, Shreyas Gopal, Vidwath Kaverappa
Nikin Jose, Mayank Agarwal (c), Karun Nair, Smaran Ravichandran, Krishnan Srijith (wk), Abhinav Manohar, Yashovardhan Parantap, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Shreyas Gopal, Abhilash Shetty, Vidhwath Kaverappa
Abhinav Manohar, KV Aneesh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mayank Agarwal, Krishnan Shrijith, Karun Nair, Smaran Ravichandran, Shreyas Gopal, Shikhar Shetty, Mohsin Khan
The weather at KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram, from November 1 to 4, 2025, is expected to be mostly clear and warm. Daytime temperatures will hover around 33–34 °C, with lows near 23 °C. Humidity will be on the higher side, and there’s a slight chance of light showers late on Day 4. Overall, conditions favor a full match with minimal weather disruptions — ideal for a competitive red-ball contest.
The venue of the match is KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram, one of Kerala’s primary first-class cricket centers located near Thiruvananthapuram. The ground has hosted several domestic fixtures and is known for its balanced surface that offers early movement for pacers and turn for spinners as the game progresses. The venue can accommodate around 3,000 spectators.
At the KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram, captains generally prefer to bat first after winning the toss. The surface tends to be firm early on, providing good value for shots, while gradually assisting spinners as the game progresses. The team winning the should bat first here.
Karnataka possess superior experience and depth in both batting and bowling, led by proven performers such as Mayank Agarwal and Vidwath Kaverappa. Kerala’s resilience at home could test them, but Karnataka’s all-round strength gives them a slight edge. If their top order clicks and bowlers exploit the coastal humidity, they can dominate this clash.
We predict that Karnataka will defeat Kerala
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