Over the last two weeks, R. Smaran has lived life in the fast lane. In Devdutt Padikkal’s absence, he was named Karnataka skipper for the Ranji Trophy opener against Andhra.
After playing a match-winning hand for Rest of India in the Irani Cup, he was drafted into the squad for the upcoming India-A tour of New Zealand. And on Sunday in Mulapadu near Vijayawada, the 23-year-old scored an excellent, back-to-the-wall century on his captaincy debut.
Asked how he was processing all of this, Smaran said, “Even if there is time to process, I don’t want to think much of it. Just taking it as it comes and not keeping any expectations of playing or reaching any particular level. I am just staying in the present.”
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Such level-headedness is a prerequisite if one has to succeed in the cut-throat Indian cricketing universe. And handling the burden of captaincy of a powerhouse side like Karnataka is never easy.
“It’s a huge privilege and honour to lead Karnataka,” Smaran said. “There are so many stalwarts who have led Karnataka to a lot of victories. Obviously, our coach Vinay Kumar. . . We don’t have to go far for inspiration. The last two titles back-to-back [in 2014 and 2015] were won under him. So, it’s a very proud moment for me.”
“We came very close to winning the Ranji Trophy last year. But second place is just not good enough. Reaching the final was a positive, but we are not there yet until we get our hands on the trophy. So the focus is to end the drought,” the southpaw added.
Published on Oct 11, 2026
