CRICKET | Hubballi frontrunner to host the Ranji Trophy final

With Karnataka all but guaranteed to meet Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final, there is now heightened suspense over the venue for the marquee clash.

The eight-time champion will get to host the final, for it finished with 27 points to J&K’s 24. It is understood that the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubballi is the front-runner with the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) on the outskirts of Bengaluru an option.

A final at the CoE will, however, make it a closed-doors affair, something that doesn’t augur well for India’s premier domestic competition.

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the nerve-centre of Karnataka cricket, is unlikely to be considered, for it is in the midst of civil works in line with the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha report, formulated as part of the investigation into last June’s tragedy during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning celebrations.

The Alur Grounds near Bengaluru has its limitations, both with respect to broadcasting and viewing area for fans.

But wherever in Karnataka the match is held, Devdutt Padikkal is likely to lead the side out despite Wednesday’s injury against Uttarakhand here.

The in-form 25-year-old dropped Abhay Negi at gully but suffered a cut on his right hand in the process. After receiving treatment, he did not return to the field, but there is quiet confidence that the setback will not be tournament-ending.