KL Rahul Boosts Karnataka Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Karnataka's squad for the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy received a significant boost with the inclusion of Indian opener KL Rahul and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, as the tournament begins on December 24 in Ahmedabad. The 33-year-old Rahul, who recently captained India to a 2-1 series victory over South Africa in one-day internationals, will represent his home state alongside Krishna, both fresh from national duties.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has mandated that all current national team players participate in at least two matches of the premier domestic 50-over competition. This policy stems from a three-week break between India's final T20 international against South Africa on December 19 in Ahmedabad and the opening ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026. Officials aim to ensure senior cricketers maintain match fitness and reconnect with domestic cricket, following recommendations from a review after India's Test series loss in Australia earlier this year.

A senior BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the requirement's universality. "After the second T20I in Mullanpur, the players have been categorically told that playing in the Vijay...