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Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026: KL Rahul’s Return Karnataka’s
seek revenge AUTHOR Sidney Kiran
By India Daily News
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 has opened with renewed intensity, and few teams embody that urgency more than Karnataka. Scarred by a painful recent past yet driven by elite experience, the former domestic powerhouse enters India’s premier one-day tournament with a clear objective: redemption. At the center of this renewed campaign is the return of KL Rahul, a player whose presence alone reshapes Karnataka’s ambitions.
A Comeback Laden With Meaning
Rahul’s return to Karnataka colours is not merely a routine domestic appearance. It carries emotional weight, competitive edge, and unfinished business. Less than a month ago, Karnataka endured a bruising Super Over defeat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy a loss that lingered well beyond the scoreboard. That match, played in the same city where the Vijay Hazare campaign now unfolds, exposed vulnerabilities in execution and temperament during pressure moments.
Rahul, who was absent during that setback, now steps back into the side as both a tactical asset and a psychological anchor. His availability offers Karnataka not just runs at the top but clarity in leadership and calm in decisive phases of the game.
Karnataka’s Domestic Crossroads
Once considered a model state unit in Indian domestic cricket, Karnataka finds itself at a crossroads. The team’s recent performances across formats have oscillated between promise and frustration. While the talent pool remains deep, consistency particularly in knockout moments has been elusive.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy, a tournament Karnataka has historically approached with confidence, now represents an opportunity to reset the narrative. With a long group stage allowing room for recovery, the emphasis has shifted from damage control to dominance.
Rahul’s Role Beyond the Bat
While Rahul’s batting credentials are well established, his influence extends far beyond personal statistics. As a senior international cricketer navigating all three formats for India, his understanding of modern one-day strategy brings immediate value.
His presence allows Karnataka to:
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Stabilize the top order
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Rotate leadership responsibilities on the field
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Mentor emerging batters and wicketkeepers
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Control tempo during high-pressure chases
Coaches within the setup believe Rahul’s return could be the difference between narrow defeats and composed victories, especially in matches that drift into the final overs.
Lessons From the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy defeat still looms large in the Karnataka camp. That loss, decided in a Super Over, highlighted lapses in death bowling and decision-making under pressure. Rather than dismissing it as misfortune, the team management has reportedly used the setback as a case study.
The transition to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with its longer format, offers Karnataka the chance to apply those lessons. More overs mean more time to correct mistakes but also fewer excuses for failure.
A Tournament of Second Chances
For Rahul, the Vijay Hazare Trophy also carries personal significance. With international schedules becoming increasingly selective, domestic performances continue to play a subtle but important role in shaping perceptions. Strong outings here reinforce match fitness, rhythm, and leadership credentials.
For Karnataka, the stakes are collective. A strong showing could:
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Restore confidence within the squad
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Reaffirm their reputation as a disciplined one-day side
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Set the tone for future domestic campaigns
Opponents, meanwhile, are acutely aware that a Karnataka side reinforced by Rahul is a far more formidable proposition than recent results suggest.
Fan Expectations and Atmosphere
Cricket followers in Karnataka have greeted Rahul’s return with anticipation. Stadium attendance and digital engagement around the team have surged, reflecting the emotional bond between the player and the state.
Fans are not merely expecting runs; they are expecting intent. The demand is for visible hunger, tactical sharpness, and a response worthy of past disappointments.
The Road Ahead
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is rarely won in a single match, but momentum built early often defines the latter stages. Karnataka’s opening fixtures will test their preparedness, adaptability, and ability to close out games precisely where they faltered last month.
With Rahul back in the fold, the margin for excuses has narrowed. The focus has shifted decisively toward performance.
Conclusion: Redemption, Revenge
While the word “revenge” has dominated pre-tournament narratives, Karnataka’s real objective runs deeper. This is not about settling scores—it is about restoring standards. Rahul’s return symbolizes that intent: composed, calculated, and uncompromising.
As the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 unfolds, Karnataka’s journey will be closely watched—not just for results, but for signs of renewal. And at the heart of that story stands KL Rahul, once again carrying both expectation and
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Scores: Jharkhand Vs Kerala
Kerala are off to a lively start. Sanju Samson is already in the groove, unbeaten on 20 from 23, picking his moments and finding the gaps. At the other end, skipper Rohan S Kunnummal has come out flying, racing to 21 off just 14 with four boundaries. No wickets down, positive intent early, and Kerala are setting the tone in this chase.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Scores: Scores So Far
Mumbai vs Maharashtra: Mumbai go big, racking up a huge 366/4 in a dominant batting display.
Chhattisgarh vs Himachal Pradesh: Chhattisgarh cross 300 with 320/8 on the board.
Jharkhand vs Kerala: Jharkhand finish strong on 311/7, powered by Kumar Kushagra’s unbeaten century.
Assam vs Bengal: Assam post a competitive 302/7.
Andhra vs Gujarat: Andhra grind their way to 318/9.
Haryana vs Odisha: Haryana end on 305/9 in a solid all-round effort.
Baroda vs Vidarbha: Baroda reach 293/9 after a hard-fought innings.
Railways vs Saurashtra: Railways stay in the hunt with 294/8.
Karnataka vs Tripura: Karnataka put up an imposing 332/7.
Chandigarh vs Hyderabad: Chandigarh finish on 286/9.
Delhi vs Services: Delhi collapse and are bowled out for 178.
Rajasthan vs Tamil Nadu: Rajasthan dismissed for 225.
Madhya Pradesh vs Pondicherry: Madhya Pradesh bundled out for 228.
Goa vs Uttarakhand: Goa bowled out for 270.
Punjab vs Sikkim: Punjab cruise to a 10-wicket win.
J&K vs UP: First innings still in progress.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Scores: Jharkhand Vs Kerala
Jharkhand finish with a strong 311 for 7 against Kerala, built around a superb unbeaten knock from Kumar Kushagra. He held the innings together from start to finish, soaking up the pressure early and accelerating later to guide Jharkhand to a commanding total.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Scores: Rajasthan Vs Tamil Nadu
Rajasthan’s innings comes to an end at 225, with Tamil Nadu firmly on top thanks to Varun Chakaravarthy. The spinner ran through the line-up, finishing with a four-wicket haul and keeping the pressure on throughout as Rajasthan struggled to build a late surge.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Score: Punjab Vs Sikkim
Punjab made light work of Sikkim’s total, scoring 81 in just 6.2 overs without losing a wicket. Prabhsimran Singh was sensational, blasting 53* off 26 balls, while Harnoor Singh supported perfectly with 22* from 13. A dominant, quick-fire win as Punjab cruise through the chase in the group stage.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Score: Maharashtra Vs Mumbai
Maharashtra are cruising now, and Arshin Kulkarni has reached a brilliant milestone, unbeaten on 100 off 105, with 11 boundaries and two massive sixes. Prithvi Shaw fell just short for 71, trapped lbw by Musheer Khan, while skipper Gaikwad is steady at the other end on 34 off 35. Maharashtra are firmly in control, Kulkarni’s century setting the tone.
MAH 219/1 (35.5)
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Score: Baroda Vs Vidarbha
Vidarbha’s bowlers are on top early, ripping through Baroda’s middle order. Hardik and Krunal are both back in the hut, leaving Baroda reeling at 72 for 5. Momentum clearly with Vidarbha as the hosts scramble to steady the innings.
BAR 78/5 (21.5)
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Score: Punjab Vs Sikkim
It’s turning into a rout here. Arshdeep Singh strikes again, his fourth of the innings, and Sikkim are sinking fast at 51 for 7. Every spell feels heavier, every over tighter, and Punjab are firmly in charge as the wickets keep tumbling.
SIK 51/6 (14.2)
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Score: Karnataka Vs Tripura
Tripura land a massive early punch. Abhijit Sarkar rips through Karnataka’s top order in a single over, first sending Mayank Agarwal back and then removing Karun Nair straight after. Just three overs in and Karnataka are rocked at 13 for 2, the visitors suddenly buzzing as the crowd goes quiet.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Score: Maharashtra Vs Mumbai
Maharashtra have begun steadily, with no risks and no panic. Prithvi Shaw is taking his time at the top, unbeaten on 12 off 21, easing himself in. At the other end, Arshin Kulkarni looks the busier of the two, moving to 22 off 31 with five crisp boundaries. No wickets lost so far, the platform is being laid quietly as Maharashtra settle into their first innings.
MAH 46/0 (8.4)
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Score: Toss Update
Railways vs Saurashtra – Railways elect to field
Delhi vs Services – Delhi elect to field
Chhattisgarh vs Himachal Pradesh – Himachal Pradesh elect to bat
Goa vs Uttarakhand – Uttarakhand elect to field
Andhra vs Gujarat – Andhra elect to field
Haryana vs Odisha – Haryana elect to field
Punjab vs Sikkim – Punjab elect to field
Jharkhand vs Kerala – Jharkhand elect to bat
Madhya Pradesh vs Pondicherry – Pondicherry elect to field
Rajasthan vs Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu elect to field
Karnataka vs Tripura – Tripura elect to field
Mumbai vs Maharashtra – Maharashtra elect to bat
Assam vs Bengal – Assam elect to field
Baroda vs Vidarbha – Vidarbha elect to field
Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 5 Live Score: Schedule
Elite Group A:
Jammu & Kashmir vs Uttar Pradesh
9:00 AM IST
Niranjan Shah Stadium (Rajkot)
Baroda vs Vidarbha
9:00 AM IST
Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground C (Rajkot)
Chandigarh vs Hyderabad
9:00 AM IST
Sanosara Cricket Ground B (Rajkot)
Assam vs Bengal
9:00 AM IST
Sanosara Cricket Ground A (Rajkot))
Punjab vs Sikkim
9:00 AM IST
K L Saini Stadium (Jaipur)
Chhattisgarh vs Himachal Pradesh
9:00 AM IST
Jaipuria Vidhyalaya Ground (Jaipur)
Goa vs Uttarakhand
9:00 AM IST
Anantam Ground (Jaipur)
Maharashtra vs Mumbai
9:00 AM IST
Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur)
Railways vs Saurashtra
9:00 AM IST
Alur Cricket Stadium (Bengaluru)
Andhra vs Gujarat
9:00 AM IST
Alur Cricket Stadium II (Bengaluru)
Haryana vs Odisha
9:00 AM IST
Alur Cricket Stadium III (Bengaluru)
Delhi vs Services
9:00 AM IST
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru)
Bihar vs Mizoram
9:00 AM IST
Ranchi Cricket Ground (Ranchi)
Manipur vs Meghalaya
9:00 AM IST
Ranchi Cricket Ground (Ranchi)
Arunachal Pradesh vs Nagaland
9:00 AM IST
Ranchi Cricket Ground (Ranchi)
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