Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026: Mayank, Shreyas left out of Karnataka squad; Manish Pandey returns

Veteran batter Manish Pandey returns to Karnataka’s senior side after two years for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K

Senior players Mayank Agarwal and Shreyas Gopal have been left out of the Karnataka squad for the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which will be held in Mumbai later this month.

Shreyas led the state side in its last two victorious Ranji Trophy outings as a stand-in skipper.

Mayank had a disappointing run in the previous edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 135 runs in seven outings. Shreyas managed just 25 runs and claimed five wickets with his leg-spin.

Manish Pandey, who was earlier named in the probables alongside Mayank and Shreyas, makes a comeback to the senior side after two years.

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State chief selector Amit Verma said Mayank and Shreyas had been rested to accommodate youngsters. “It was a tough call, but we had to accommodate youngsters like Aneeshwar Gautam and Rohan Patil. We do have senior batters in Manish (Pandey) and Karun (Nair),” Amit told Sportstar on Friday.

Amit added that Mayank and Shreyas would be included in Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 50-over squad. “We also have the option of bringing them into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy side in case of injuries,” he said.

Manvanth Kumar, whose explosive batting and steady pace have impressed in the Ranji Trophy, could make a significant impact in the shortest format. “He is the perfect candidate for a fast-bowling all-rounder, which is a rare commodity. Hopefully, he can do well in this tournament and bag an IPL contract,” Amit said.