The first day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group-B match between Karnataka and Goa concluded with both teams sharing the spoils at the KSCA Navule Stadium.
Goa chose to bowl first and put Karnataka under early pressure, reducing them to 128 for five. However, a crucial 94-run partnership (148 balls) between Karun Nair (86* from 138 balls, including 7 fours and 1 six) and Shreyas Gopal (48* from 84 balls, with 5 fours and 1 six) steadied Karnataka’s innings, pushing their total to 222 runs and giving their four-man pace attack a respectable target to defend.
Throughout the early stages, Karnataka struggled against Goa’s disciplined bowling attack. Former Karnataka player V. Koushik was particularly outstanding, delivering a superb spell of 18 overs, 7 maidens, 24 runs, and 2 wickets. He claimed the key wicket of Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal (28 off 69 balls, 4 fours) and then took a brilliant catch at square-leg to dismiss the aggressive Abhinav Manohar (37 off 64 balls, 6 fours).
Karnataka’s Abhinav Manohar in action against Goa in a 2025-26 Ranji Trophy Elite Group-B match at the KSCA Navule Stadium in Shivamogga, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The 90-minute rain delay at the start of play potentially hindered Koushik, a natural swing bowler, who might have found more assistance from the conditions. Nevertheless, even under the sun, the 33-year-old maintained a relentless fourth-stump line, limiting Karnataka to just 15 runs without loss after 12 overs by lunch.
A fascinating battle unfolded between Koushik and Mayank Agarwal. The Karnataka captain frequently advanced down the pitch to counter Koushik’s movement, while the bowler cleverly had the wicket-keeper stand up to the stumps to restrict Mayank. Ultimately, Koushik emerged victorious, snaring Mayank with a catch at slip.
Goa pacer V. Koushik in action against Karnataka in a 2025-26 Ranji Trophy Elite Group-B match at the KSCA Navule Stadium in Shivamogga, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Karun Nair, however, played the role of a seasoned veteran flawlessly. After an early streaky double, he settled into a solid rhythm. His innings was highlighted by two precisely guided fours to the third-man boundary off Vijesh Prabhudesai and a powerful six over left-arm spinner Darshan Misal’s head, demonstrating both his elegance and strength.
Goa faced a setback when off-spinner Mohit Redkar had to leave the field in the 11th over due to a leg injury, sustained on the still-damp outfield. This limited his contribution and cost Goa crucial control, especially after Koushik and fellow pacer Arjun Tendulkar (17 overs, 5 maidens, 47 runs, 3 wickets) had performed admirably. Karun and Shreyas seized this opportunity to build their partnership.
The scores: Karnataka — 1st innings: Nikin Jose c Khutkar b Arjun 3, Mayank Agarwal c Kauthankar b Koushik 28, K.L. Shrijith c Dubhashi b Arjun 0, Karun Nair (batting) 86, R. Smaran c Tejrana b Koushik 3, Abhinav Manohar c Koushik b Arjun 37, Shreyas Gopal (batting) 48; Extras (b-5, lb-9, nb-3): 17; Total (for five wkts. in 69 overs): 222.
Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-26, 3-47, 4-65, 5-128.
Goa bowling: Arjun 17-5-47-3, Koushik 18-7-24-2, Vijesh 14-3-57-0, Misal 11-0-56-0, Redkar 5-0-16-0, Suyash 4-0-8-0.
Toss: Goa.