Ranji Trophy: 7 Powerful Highlights as Padikkal’s 232 Lifts Karnataka to 689/6
Ranji Trophy semi-final witnessed a dominant batting masterclass as Devdutt Padikkal’s maiden double century powered Karnataka to a massive 689 for 6 against Uttarakhand. The Ranji Trophy clash turned into a one-sided affair on Day 2, with Ravichandran Smaran’s unbeaten ton further compounding Uttarakhand’s struggles in this high-stakes encounter.
Devdutt Padikkal’s Double Century Dominates Ranji Trophy Semi-Final
The Ranji Trophy semi-final belonged to Devdutt Padikkal, who produced a career-defining innings to put Karnataka in complete control. Resuming on 148 not out, Padikkal converted his overnight score into a monumental 232 off 330 balls, laced with 29 fours and three sixes. His maiden double hundred in first-class cricket highlighted his maturity and command at the crease.
In this Ranji Trophy encounter, Padikkal displayed exceptional patience, sharp shot selection, and the ability to accelerate when required. Reaching his double century in 288 deliveries, he ensured Karnataka maintained relentless pressure on Uttarakhand’s bowling unit throughout the day.
Karnataka vs Uttarakhand: Strong Foundation Laid on Day 1
Karnataka had already established dominance in the Ranji Trophy semi-final by ending Day 1 at 355 for 2. KL Rahul’s elegant 141 had set the platform, and the momentum carried forward seamlessly into the second day.
Padikkal, alongside Karun Nair, stitched together a 129-run partnership for the third wicket, frustrating Uttarakhand’s bowlers in this crucial Ranji Trophy match. Nair contributed a steady 60 off 105 balls before falling to medium pacer Abhay Negi, who induced an outside edge that was safely pouched by wicketkeeper Saurabh Rawat.
Ravichandran Smaran Century Adds to Ranji Trophy Carnage
While Devdutt Padikkal dominated headlines in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, Ravichandran Smaran ensured there was no respite for Uttarakhand. The young batter crafted an unbeaten 121 off 191 balls, striking 11 boundaries in a fluent display of stroke play.
Smaran’s century in the Ranji Trophy clash came at a vital juncture. After Padikkal’s dismissal, Karnataka needed consolidation to avoid losing momentum. Smaran rose to the occasion, blending caution with aggression to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The partnership between Padikkal and Smaran added 59 runs before Lakshya Raichandani deceived Padikkal with a turning delivery. Attempting to work the ball fine, Padikkal edged it behind to Rawat, ending a marathon innings that had firmly tilted the Ranji Trophy semi-final in Karnataka’s favour.
Brief Uttarakhand Fightback in Ranji Trophy Semi-Final
Uttarakhand found a glimmer of hope in the Ranji Trophy semi-final when Shreyas Gopal was bowled for a duck by Aditya Rawat. At 485 for 5, Karnataka appeared slightly vulnerable, offering the bowling side an opening to target the lower order.
However, that optimism proved short-lived in this Ranji Trophy contest. Smaran found strong support in wicketkeeper-batter Kruthik Krishna, and together they stitched a vital 123-run stand for the sixth wicket. This partnership effectively drained Uttarakhand’s energy and restored Karnataka’s absolute dominance.
Kruthik Krishna and Lower-Order Resistance Extend Lead
Kruthik Krishna played a crucial role in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, scoring a composed 60 off 103 balls. His knock included six fours and a towering six, showcasing his ability to counterattack under pressure. The stand with Smaran not only added valuable runs but also deepened Uttarakhand’s frustration.
Off-spinner Avneesh Sudha eventually broke the partnership when a defensive push from Krishna deflected onto the stumps. Despite that breakthrough, the Ranji Trophy semi-final narrative remained unchanged — Karnataka firmly in command.
Seamer Vidyadhar Patil then joined Smaran to pile on further misery. Patil’s unbeaten 35 off 103 balls contributed to an unbroken 81-run seventh-wicket partnership. This late resistance ensured Karnataka reached an imposing 689 for 6, a total that places them in a commanding position in the semi-final.
Tactical and Batting Excellence Define Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy Performance
The Ranji Trophy semi-final has underlined Karnataka’s depth and discipline in red-ball cricket. From KL Rahul’s century on Day 1 to Devdutt Padikkal’s double century and Ravichandran Smaran’s composed hundred, the batting unit functioned with remarkable cohesion.
Padikkal’s leadership from the front stood out in this clash. His ability to bat long hours, rotate strike, and punish loose deliveries ensured that Uttarakhand’s bowlers were constantly under pressure. Smaran’s adaptability further demonstrated Karnataka’s bench strength in domestic cricket.
What This Means for the Ranji Trophy Final Race
With 689 for 6 on the board, Karnataka have placed themselves in a near-unassailable position in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. The sheer volume of runs not only gives their bowlers ample cushion but also allows them to dictate terms in the remainder of the match.
For Uttarakhand, the challenge in this Ranji Trophy encounter now lies in mounting an extraordinary batting response. The bowling unit toiled hard but lacked sustained penetration against a well-set Karnataka lineup led by Devdutt Padikkal.
The semi-final continues to highlight the gulf in execution between the two sides. Karnataka’s structured partnerships, milestone performances, and lower-order resilience reflect a team peaking at the right moment in the tournament.
As the match progresses, the focus will shift to whether Uttarakhand can script an improbable comeback or if Karnataka’s batting avalanche, powered by Devdutt Padikkal and Ravichandran Smaran, will decisively seal their passage toward the final.
Written by 8jjsports.com News Desk | February 4, 2026
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