KL Rahul to Miss Vijay Hazare Trophy Knockouts After Requesting Break Post BGT: Report

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KL Rahul has opted out of Karnataka's campaign in the knockout stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025, citing the need for rest following a gruelling Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, reported Sportstar.

KL Rahul, who played in all five Tests of the recently concluded series, has sought a break to recover and recharge. Karnataka will now head into the knockout matches without their experienced batter.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout rounds, set to take place in Vadodara, will see Karnataka led by Mayank Agarwal. The team's lineup features notable names such as Devdutt Padikkal and Prasidh Krishna, who were also part of India's Test squad in Australia. Padikkal, having played in the first Test at Perth, and Prasidh, who earned a spot in the final Test, are expected to add significant value to Karnataka's campaign.

Meanwhile, fast bowler V. Vyshak has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury, dealing a blow to Karnataka's pace attack. The team faces Baroda in the quarterfinals on Saturday, hoping to advance further despite the absence of key players.

As for Rahul's immediate future, a decision regarding his participation in the second leg of the Ranji Trophy, starting January 23, will be made later.

Karnataka's squad for the knockout stages includes stalwarts like Shreyas Gopal (vice-captain) and rising talents such as Nikin Jose and Vidyadhar Patil. The team will rely on collective performances to compensate for the absence of their star players as they aim for domestic glory in Vadodara.

Karnataka squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts: Mayank Agarwal (Captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Nikin Jose, K.V. Aneesh, R. Smaran, K.L. Shrijith, Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal (vice captain), Hardik Raj, Prasidh Krishna, V. Koushik, Vidyadhar Patil, Abhilash Shetty, Pravin Dubey, Luvnith Sisodia, Yashovardhan Parantap.