
Sun Feb 01 13:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Karnataka to Face Mumbai in Ranji Trophy Quarterfinals After Dramatic Group Stage
The Story:
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy group stage concluded with Karnataka securing a quarterfinal berth, setting up a highly anticipated clash against Mumbai. This follows a tense final stage where Karnataka faced a “do-or-die” situation against Punjab, demonstrating the pressure the team was under to qualify for the knockouts. The team had been described as “wounded” and “on the hunt” for a spot, and changes were made to the team including Padikkal replacing Mayank Agarwal as captain. The quarterfinal match promises to be a significant encounter in the tournament. Defending champions Vidarbha have been knocked out, reshaping the landscape of the competition.
Key Points:
- Karnataka will play Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy Quarterfinals.
- Karnataka faced a crucial “do-or-die” match against Punjab to secure their quarterfinal spot.
- Padikkal has replaced Mayank Agarwal as captain of Karnataka.
- Defending champions Vidarbha have been eliminated from the tournament.
- The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Quarterfinals schedule is now set.
Key Takeaways:
- Karnataka overcame adversity and leadership changes to secure a quarterfinal spot.
- The match against Mumbai is a critical test for Karnataka.
- The defending champions being knocked out opens up the competition for new contenders.
- Changes in team leadership can significantly impact performance and tournament progression.
- The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season is shaping up to be highly competitive.