Bengaluru: It is a tournament that Karnataka love but one that has not loved them back in the last decade. Karnataka's lack of success since the 2014-15 title has been disappointing, having not made a single final since.

As they head into their Elite Group B Ranji Trophy opener against Saurashtra at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, the eight-time champions, led by Mayank Agarwal, look well-equipped to get underway with a bang.

For starters, Devdutt Padikkal, who flew in to Rajkot from New Delhi to join the squad last evening after being released by the Indian team management, will be among the main attractions along with the returning Karun Nair.

Padikkal is expected to open with Agarwal, while Smaran R, Nair, Shrijith KL and Abhinav Manohar are likely to share the batting responsib

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