Ravichandran Smaran: The Rising Star of Karnataka Cricket

In the world of Indian domestic cricket, Karnataka has long been a powerhouse for producing top-notch players who excel in white-ball formats. Players like KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Devdutt Padikkal have left their mark on both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket. Now, the latest name to watch out for is Ravichandran Smaran, who is turning heads with his remarkable performances in his rookie season.

Smaran’s Breakout Season

Ravichandran Smaran, a 21-year-old left-handed batsman, has made an impressive start to his senior-level career. In the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, he scored 170 runs from six matches at a blistering strike rate of 170. However, it is in the Vijay Hazare Trophy where Smaran has truly shone, amassing 332 runs in six innings at an average of 66. His standout knock came in the semifinal against defending champions Haryana, where he scored a crucial 76 runs and formed a 128-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal to guide Karnataka into the final.

Smaran’s ability to handle pressure and deliver in high-stakes matches has been a key highlight of his performances. His unbeaten century against Puducherry in the group stage and his match-winning fielding effort against Baroda in the quarterfinals are examples of his all-round capabilities.

A Focus on Fundamentals

Smaran credits his development to Karnataka’s cricketing culture, which emphasizes excelling in red-ball cricket before transitioning to shorter formats. “The focus has always been on the longest format. But now, I’m working on becoming an all-format player,” Smaran said in an exclusive interview.

The young batter’s mindset and patience are what set him apart. “At the senior level, the skillsets and techniques are the same. What matters is the mindset and the ability to assess situations,” he explained.

Mentorship and Support

Smaran’s smooth transition to senior-level cricket has been aided by Karnataka’s strong cricketing ecosystem. The team’s captain, Mayank Agarwal, has played a vital role in mentoring young players and creating a supportive dressing room environment. Smaran also credits his coach, Syed Zabiullah, who has been a guiding force since he was eight years old.

“More than a coach, he is like a family member. He’s always focused on what I can do next rather than dwelling on what I’ve done,” Smaran shared.

IPL Dreams

While Smaran has yet to make his IPL debut, he has already participated in trials for teams like Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians. Despite not being picked, Smaran remains optimistic. “Playing in the IPL is everyone’s dream. For me, it’s a byproduct of winning championships for Karnataka,” he said. Like any Bangalorean, he dreams of representing Royal Challengers Bangalore and contributing to their maiden IPL title.

The Road Ahead

As Karnataka gears up to face Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final, Smaran is focused on the team’s success. “We haven’t won the tournament since 2019, so we are hungry to win. Our preparation has been solid, and we’re treating the final like any other game,” he said.

With his talent, determination, and the right support system, Ravichandran Smaran is well on his way to becoming a star not just for Karnataka but for Indian cricket as a whole. The Vijay Hazare Trophy final on Saturday could be another stepping stone in his promising career.

Reference from:-https://cricxtasy.com/interviews/exclusive-ravichandran-smaran-makes-rookie-vijay-hazare-trophy-season-count-rcb-ipl-2025-auction/#google_vignette