KL Rahul–Padikkal Double Century Stand Puts Karnataka in Command Against Uttarakhand

Lucknow, Feb 2026 : Former India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul continued his rich vein of form by smashing his second consecutive century, while skipper Devdutt Padikkal struck a fluent unbeaten 148, as Karnataka posted a commanding 355/2 at stumps on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Uttarakhand at the Ekana Stadium on Sunday.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Karnataka endured an early setback when seasoned opener Mayank Agarwal was dismissed for 18 in the ninth over. However, the early loss did little to unsettle the visitors, as Rahul and Padikkal came together to steady the innings with remarkable composure and authority.

The duo displayed exemplary temperament, rotating the strike with ease and neutralising Uttarakhand’s spin attack by consistently finding gaps. Their understanding in the middle was evident as Karnataka cruised to 133/1 by lunch, with both batters bringing up well-earned half-centuries.

The second session belonged entirely to Karnataka. Rahul, who had already scored a match-winning century in the quarter-final against Mumbai, continued his imperious run by reaching his 25th first-class hundred off just 153 deliveries in the 52nd over. At the other end, Padikkal matched his partner stroke for stroke, reaching his century off 144 balls in the 55th over. The pair’s monumental partnership kept the Uttarakhand bowlers at bay, taking Karnataka to 263/1 at tea and firmly placing them in control of the contest.

Uttarakhand finally found some relief in the third session when Rahul was dismissed in the 75th over after a magnificent knock of 141, studded with 11 boundaries and five towering sixes. The breakthrough ended a historic 296-run stand that had effectively drained the opposition’s morale.

Padikkal, unfazed by the departure of his partner, continued to bat with poise and authority. He was well supported by Karun Nair, who looked fluent from the outset. The pair added 59 runs for the third wicket, guiding Karnataka past the 350-run mark by the close of play. Nair remained unbeaten on 37 off 65 balls, while Padikkal finished the day just two runs short of a deserved double century.

For Uttarakhand, Aditya Rawat was the lone bright spot with the ball, while the rest of the attack struggled to contain Karnataka’s dominant batting display.

With a massive first-innings total already on the board and plenty of batting depth remaining, Karnataka will look to press home their advantage on Day 2 as Uttarakhand face an uphill battle to stay alive in the semi-final.

Brief Score: Karnataka 355/2 at stumps, Day 1 (Devdutt Padikkal 148*, KL Rahul 141, Karun Nair 37*; Abhay Negi 2/73) vs Uttarakhand.