Karnataka’s R Smaran aims for 1000 Ranji runs, eyes Duleep Trophy as launchpad
Smaran’s Domestic Cricket Journey and Goals
R Smaran, a left-handed batter from Bengaluru, has become a prominent figure in domestic cricket, notably for Karnataka. He made his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2025 season, scoring two centuries. In the 2026 season, he was Karnataka’s highest run-scorer with 950 runs, contributing to the team’s first Ranji Trophy final appearance in 11 years. His consistent performance includes 1534 runs in 26 innings over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, with an average of 73.60 and three double centuries.
Beyond red-ball cricket, Smaran has demonstrated versatility across formats. He was instrumental in Karnataka’s 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy win, accumulating 433 runs in seven innings with an average of 72.16, including two centuries and two fifties. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he led Karnataka in scoring with 319 runs in seven innings, averaging 63.80 at a strike rate of 160.
Looking ahead, Smaran has set a goal to score 1000 runs in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. He aims to stay at the top of the scoring charts, acknowledging the difficulty but not impossibility of achieving back-to-back leading scorer titles. He views the Duleep Trophy as a crucial tournament to maintain his contention for the national team, believing that a strong performance there can set the tone for the rest of the season.
Preparation and Adaptability Across Formats
Smaran emphasizes the importance of off-season preparation, especially given the short breaks between tournaments like the IPL, state leagues, and the Duleep Trophy. He works with his childhood coach, Syed Zabiulla, focusing on technical skills and mindset adjustments. This preparation involves switching quickly between red-ball and white-ball training, as each format has distinct demands.
The 23-year-old believes that adapting to short off-seasons is necessary for players, especially with the IPL potentially expanding. He practices on various wicket types, including red-soil and black-soil surfaces, and deliberately trains on challenging pitches to prepare for diverse match conditions. This includes batting on surfaces that assist spin in later innings, which helps him overcome match challenges.
Transitioning between red-ball and white-ball cricket primarily involves a mindset shift rather than a change in technique. Smaran notes that while white-ball cricket allows for more scoring options, returning to red-ball cricket requires patience and leaving more deliveries. His off-season training helps his body and mind make these transitions smoothly.
For T20 cricket, Smaran is working on improving his aggressive batting from the first ball. He acknowledges that T20 scores are increasing, often reaching 230-240 runs in the IPL. He also focuses on developing shots like the sweep and reverse sweep to unsettle spinners, particularly on turning tracks in the subcontinent.
IPL Experience and Leadership Aspirations
Smaran’s first full IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) provided valuable learning experiences, despite modest on-field returns of 19 runs across six matches. He considers his retention by SRH a confidence booster and appreciates the supportive environment within the franchise. Sharing the dressing room with international players like Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head offered insights into their preparation and mental approach to the game.
He views his IPL experience as a learning curve, identifying areas for improvement to contribute more significantly in future seasons. Smaran has also expressed readiness for leadership roles, having captained Karnataka at the age-group level, leading them to a CK Nayudu Trophy win. He was also part of the Maharaja Trophy-winning side.
Despite missing out on the India A squad for the Sri Lanka tour due to injury, Smaran has fully recovered and remains focused on his performance. He believes that consistent scoring will eventually lead to opportunities for national team selection. The Duleep Trophy, which will begin at the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru later this month, will see Smaran participate for the second consecutive year as part of the South Zone team.
Source: newindianexpress.com
