Karnataka are powering towards a mammoth first innings lead against Punjab in their Ranji Trophy match. And a KKR and a former RCB player have taken a huge part in their quest.
Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) returning star Manish Pandey has scored a century in the first Ranji match of the season against Punjab. The former India batter has notched up his century in Hubli as Karnataka are in the driving seat.

On the other hand, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) boy Devdutt Padikkal has been the star of the show with a fantastic knock of 193 off just 216 balls. Padikkal's blistering inning saw him hitting 24 fours and 4 sixes. The southpaw, who will play for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2024, fell just 7 runs short of his double century.
Pandey is still at the crease and is batting on 102 off 144 balls. He has so far hit 11 fours and 3 sixes in his decorated knock.
Karnataka currently lead Punjab by 197 runs and will be hoping to put up a huge lead. Punjab were bowled out for just 152 runs in their first innings as Karnataka pacer V Koushik picked up 7 wickets.
Both Devdutt Padikkal and Manish Pandey have had a change of teams ahead of the IPL 2024. Padikkal was traded to Lucknow Super Giants from Rajasthan Royals, while Manish Pandey was released by Delhi Capitals at first, and then snapped up by KKR in the IPL 2024 auction. It is a positive start for the duo in the Ranji Trophy, and they'll be hoping to continue this good start along the course of the tournament.