Karnataka announce SMAT 2026-27 squad for first three matches, Devdutt Padikkal misses out

Karnataka Name Smaran Ravichandran Captain for First Three Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Matches

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has announced a 15-player squad for the opening three matches of the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with Smaran Ravichandran named captain. The side combines experienced campaigners such as Manish Pandey and Karun Nair with younger players, while the absence of Devdutt Padikkal is likely to attract attention from fans.

KSCA confirmed the squad on November 6, making clear that the selection applies only to Karnataka’s first three fixtures. The association may revise the group later in the tournament, depending on player availability, performances and the team’s needs. That short-term selection window gives Karnataka room to adapt as the domestic T20 competition progresses.

Experience and new leadership in Karnataka’s squad

Ravichandran will lead a team that features several batters with the ability to shape a T20 innings in different ways. He can provide stability at the top or through the middle order, while Karun Nair brings domestic experience and the capacity to build an innings under pressure. Manish Pandey and Abhinav Manohar add attacking options, giving Karnataka a mix of composure and boundary-hitting potential.

Wicketkeeping duties could be shared by Luvnith Sisodia and Shrijith KL, both included in the squad. Their selection gives the team flexibility when finalising its playing combination, particularly if Karnataka wants to balance its batting order with specialist bowlers and all-round options.

Former India fast bowler Vinay Kumar will serve as head coach, with Deepak Chougule appointed assistant coach. Their task will be to help the group settle quickly into the tournament, establish clear roles and make the most of a squad that blends established names with emerging talent.

Why Devdutt Padikkal is missing

Padikkal is the most prominent player absent from Karnataka’s initial squad. The left-handed batter is expected to be with India for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on November 19 and conclude on December 1. His international commitments explain why he has not been named for the opening phase of the domestic T20 campaign.

His availability could change after the Test series. If Padikkal becomes free to join Karnataka, the state association may consider adding him to the squad, subject to its selection plans and tournament regulations. His inclusion would strengthen the batting group, but Karnataka will need to begin its campaign without relying on that possibility. The first three matches therefore offer other batters an opportunity to take on greater responsibility and make a case for continued selection.

Karnataka squad for the first three matches

Rohan A Patil, Luvnith Sisodia (wicketkeeper), Manish Pandey, Karun Nair, Smaran R (captain), Abhinav Manohar, Shikhar Shetty, Manvanth Kumar L, Pravin Dubey, Vyshak V, Vidwath Kaverappa, Abhilash Shetty, Shrijith KL (wicketkeeper), Aneeshwar Gautam and Ritesh Bhatkal.

What Karnataka’s SMAT prediction looks like

Karnataka enter the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with reasons for optimism, as well as a clear challenge to address. In the previous edition, the team performed strongly in the group stage and advanced to the Super League rounds, but could not convert that progress into a place in the final. The experience may be valuable this season: Karnataka know they can compete, but will need consistency when the pressure rises in the later stages.

The bowling attack includes dependable options in Vidwath Kaverappa and Vijaykumar Vyshak, listed in the squad as Vidwath Kaverappa and Vyshak V. Their presence gives Karnataka a foundation in the pace department, while Pravin Dubey offers a spin option. The effectiveness of the attack will depend not only on taking wickets, but also on controlling the scoring rate during the middle overs—often a decisive factor in T20 cricket.

With Padikkal unavailable at the start, the batting order will need to distribute responsibility rather than depend on one star performer. Karnataka’s prediction for the tournament will hinge on how quickly the top order finds a reliable combination, whether the middle order can accelerate without losing momentum, and how well the bowlers defend totals in close games.

The squad has enough experience to make a serious run, but the first three fixtures will be especially important for establishing rhythm and identifying the strongest XI. A confident start could put Karnataka in a strong position before selection decisions are revisited. If the team can reproduce its group-stage form from last season and improve its performance in the decisive rounds, it could again become a contender for the SMAT title.

For now, the focus is on Ravichandran’s first assignment as captain and the way Karnataka’s senior players support him. The opening matches will reveal whether this refreshed group can turn its potential into results—and whether the team can take the next step after last season’s Super League exit.