Ranji Trophy 2026-27: S.V. Rahul steps up for Andhra to lead fightback against Karnataka

Andhra's S. V. Rahul celebrates after scoring a century against Karnataka at the ACA International Stadium in Mulapadu. | Photo Credit: K. V. S. Giri

S.V. Rahul and Revanth Reddy, 19 and 22, one making his debut for Andhra and the other with just five First Class appearances, pinned Karnataka on the mat by helping their side take a 57-run lead on day two of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy opener at Mulapadu near here.

In his first innings for Andhra across formats, southpaw Rahul remained unbeaten on a fine 108 (187b, 10x4) while wicketkeeper-batter Revanth made a sparkling 97 (143b, 13x4).

The two, who have plied their trades together from junior cricket, combined for a brilliant 202-run partnership that lasted nearly two full sessions and helped Andhra close at 331 for six at the ACA Stadium on Monday.

The host was in a spot of bother at 116 for five, having lost its main batter Shaik Rasheed for a well-made 54 (121b, 4x4).

But Rahul and Revanth wore down an inexperienced Karnataka attack, which had three bowlers making their debuts and two others with a combined 13 caps.

The spinners – Shikhar Shetty, Madhav Bajaj and Ritesh Bhatkal – were inconsistent with their lengths, and the fact that just seven of the 90 overs on the day were maidens was enough evidence of Karnataka’s inadequacies.

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R. Smaran & Co. did not help themselves by reprieving Rahul on 40, when K.L. Rahul dropped him at slip off Ritesh.

Initially, S.V. Rahul was composed and steady whereas Revanth was all action and busy. The former got to his half-century in 102 balls with a lofted boundary over long-off. The latter reached the milestone from just 59 balls with a slapped four to the mid-wicket boundary.

But from there on, they marched shoulder to shoulder, moving into the 70s, 80s and 90s within a few balls of each other.

S.V. Rahul got to 99 by driving Ritesh superbly down the ground before completing his hundred with a single.

Revanth, though, had to be content with just a new career-best First Class score – previous best was 22 – after being caught by K.L. Rahul at slip off left-arm spinner Shikhar. But they were 97 priceless runs.