The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 continues with a key Elite Group B clash between Kerala and Karnataka at the KCA Cricket Ground in Mangalapuram from November 1 to 4, starting at 9:30 AM IST. Both teams are still searching for their first win of the campaign, making this an early test of form and resolve. Kerala sit seventh with two points, while Karnataka are fourth with four after back-to-back draws. Their recent meetings have been tight, setting the stage for a closely fought battle in the south.
Quick facts:
- Competition: Ranji Trophy 2025–26, Elite Group B
- Fixture: Kerala vs Karnataka
- Venue: KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram
- Kickoff: 9:30 AM IST, November 1–4, 2025
- Recent Form (Last 5): Kerala: D-D-W-L-D | Karnataka: D-D-W-L-D
- Head-to-Head: Last two meetings drawn
Both sides have quality lineups and strong batting depth. Kerala have home advantage, but Karnataka’s experienced core could tilt the contest their way.
Match Preview
Kerala will look to capitalize on home conditions as they host Karnataka in Mangalapuram. Despite a winless start, their campaign has shown signs of progress. They drew both opening games, finishing on equal terms with Punjab and Maharashtra.
In their last match, Kerala responded strongly to Punjab’s 436, posting 371/7 thanks to a gritty 86 from Ahammed Imran, proving their lower order can contribute. Against Maharashtra, they narrowly missed a first-innings lead, scoring 219 to Maharashtra’s 239 before weather cut play short.
Kerala’s strength lies in their steady top order and reliable seam unit. Salman Nizar has been a standout performer, averaging over 80 with the bat last season, while Mohammed Azharuddeen continues to provide solidity at the top. With the ball, MD Nidheesh and Nedumankuzhy Basil spearhead the attack, combining for over 50 wickets last season. Their accuracy and swing could be decisive in humid coastal conditions.
Kerala Predicted Playing XI
Mohammed Azharuddeen, Salman Nizar, Ankit Sharma, Rohan Kunnummal, Sachin Baby, Baba Aparajith, MD Nidheesh, Akshay Chandran, Ahammed Imran, Vathsal Govind, Nedumankuzhy Basil
Key players: Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil
Karnataka Team Preview
Karnataka travel to Kerala still unbeaten this season after two draws. Their last outing against Goa showcased their all-round strength. Batting first, they posted 371 all out, powered by a superb 174 from Karun Nair* and a steady 57 from Shreyas Gopal. Their bowlers responded with precision—Vidwath Kaverappa claiming 5/51 to dismantle Goa’s top order.
Karnataka secured a crucial first-innings lead before rain forced an early close. Earlier, their drawn matches with Saurashtra and Maharashtra demonstrated a mix of grit and missed opportunities.
The visitors have a strong batting core led by Ravichandran Smaran, averaging 55.09, and captain Mayank Agarwal, who provides stability at the top. Shreyas Gopal adds all-round balance with 31 wickets last season, while Kaverappa’s pace offers penetration on flat decks. With greater squad depth and match experience, Karnataka enter as slight favorites despite Kerala’s home advantage.
Karnataka Predicted Playing XI
Nikin Jose, Mayank Agarwal (c), Karun Nair, Smaran Ravichandran, Krishnan Srijith (wk), Abhinav Manohar, Yashovardhan Parantap, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Shreyas Gopal, Abhilash Shetty, Vidwath Kaverappa
Key players: Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Shreyas Gopal, Vidwath Kaverappa
Team Form & Recent Results
Kerala (Last 5 Matches): D-D-W-L-D
- vs Punjab – Draw (Imran 86, Nidheesh 3 wickets)
- vs Maharashtra – Draw (Azharuddeen 54)
- vs Andhra – Win by 8 wickets
- vs Gujarat – Loss by innings
- vs Baroda – Draw
Karnataka (Last 5 Matches): D-D-W-L-D
- vs Goa – Draw (Nair 174*, Kaverappa 5 wickets)
- vs Maharashtra – Draw
- vs Saurashtra – Draw
- vs Vidarbha – Loss by 10 wickets
- vs Services – Win by innings
Both teams have shown resilience but are yet to convert dominance into victory. Karnataka’s first-innings leads have kept them higher in the standings, while Kerala have lacked the killer instinct to finish strong.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent contests between Kerala and Karnataka have been balanced:
- 2024 – Draw (Kerala 298/8, Karnataka 305/7)
- 2023 – Draw (Karnataka 412, Kerala 395)
- 2022 – Karnataka won by 6 wickets
Across formats, matches between these two sides often go the distance, with draws being the norm due to balanced conditions and consistent batting performances on both sides.
Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
Venue: KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram
The pitch in Mangalapuram offers early movement for pacers but becomes friendlier for batting by Day 2. Spinners enter the equation from Day 3 onward as the surface dries. The outfield remains quick, making timing rewarding for stroke players.
Weather: Clear and humid for most of the match, with highs around 33°C. A brief shower on Day 4 is possible but unlikely to affect play. Ideal conditions for a full four-day game.
Toss: To Bat
Teams prefer batting first here, as the surface tends to deteriorate later in the match.
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Kerala will rely on their disciplined seamers and solid top order to keep Karnataka’s batting in check. Expect Nizar and Azharuddeen to anchor the innings, with MD Nidheesh leading the bowling effort early on.
Karnataka, under Mayank Agarwal, will stick to their tried-and-tested formula—strong partnerships up front, controlled middle-overs bowling from Gopal, and late breakthroughs from Kaverappa. Their ability to extract reverse swing could play a role in Kerala’s humid conditions.
Key Battles:
- Nidheesh vs Agarwal – Powerplay duel between Kerala’s spearhead and Karnataka’s captain.
- Salman Nizar vs Gopal – Middle-order consistency vs spin threat.
- Nair vs Basil – Karnataka’s anchor vs Kerala’s enforcer.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
Odds (Indicative):
Given the track record of drawn matches at this venue, a draw remains the most likely outcome. However, Karnataka’s batting form and bowling depth make them the safer outright pick.
Recommended Bets:
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
- Kickoff: 9:30 AM IST, November 1–4, 2025
- Venue: KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram
Prediction: Kerala vs Karnataka, Ranji Trophy 2025–26
This fixture looks balanced on paper, but Karnataka’s seasoned batting lineup and superior bowling attack could tilt the result their way. Kerala’s home advantage might keep things close, yet their struggle to seize key moments could prove costly again.
Final Prediction: Kerala 287 & 210 – Karnataka 365 & 135/3 (Karnataka win by 7 wickets)
Best Bet: Karnataka to Win
Alternative Value: Draw (High Probability)
