Karnataka vs Rajasthan Vijay Hazare Trophy Match Preview – January 6, 2026

As the Vijay Hazare Trophy progresses into a crucial phase of the league stage, the spotlight turns to a high-stakes Group A clash between Karnataka and Rajasthan. The match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Gujarat College Cricket Ground ‘A’ in Ahmedabad, with the toss set to be held at 09:00 AM IST (03:30 GMT).

This encounter promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams vying for a strong position in the group stage. Karnataka, in particular, has shown commendable form, having secured wins against formidable opponents like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Rajasthan, on the other hand, will look to bounce back with a strong performance, especially with players like Karan Lamba providing stability in the middle order.

Pitch and Playing Conditions

The pitch at Gujarat College Cricket Ground is generally considered to be a balanced one, offering decent assistance to both batters and bowlers. The surface tends to favor spinners in the middle overs, especially as the match progresses and the ball loses its shine. Pacers, too, can extract movement in the early overs, making it a crucial factor for both teams to consider in their strategy.

Team Strengths and Key Players

Karnataka (KAR)

Karnataka boasts a strong batting lineup led by Devdutt Padikkal, who has been in exceptional form this tournament, having already scored four centuries. The middle order, led by Karun Nair and Mayank Agarwal, provides much-needed stability and depth. The spin department is equally formidable with Shreyas Gopal leading the charge, who has been a consistent performer in spin-friendly conditions.

• Key Players to Watch:
  • Shreyas Gopal – The spinner has been the most impactful player for Karnataka so far, with 817 fantasy points.
  • Abhinav Manohar – A reliable all-rounder who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
  • Mayank Agarwal – The experienced opener who anchors the innings and sets the tone for the team.

Rajasthan (RJS)

Rajasthan’s side is a blend of youth and experience, with Karan Lamba and Deepak Hooda forming the backbone of their batting unit. Lamba has already smashed a century and has been the go-to player in the middle overs. The team’s bowling attack is well-balanced, with a mix of pace and spin, and Rahul Chahar and Mahipal Lomror have been consistent performers.

• Key Players to Watch:
  • Rahul Chahar – A versatile all-rounder who can change the course of the match with his pace and batting.
  • Mahipal Lomror – A rising star in domestic cricket with the ability to take early wickets.
  • Karan Lamba – Provides stability in the middle order and can accelerate the innings if needed.

Fantasy Cricket Insights

• Captaincy Pick (KAR): Abhinav Manohar – His all-round contributions make him a top choice for fantasy teams.

• Vice-Captaincy Pick (KAR): Shreyas Gopal – A must-include in any fantasy squad due to his high impact.

• Captaincy Pick (RJS): Mahipal Lomror – A high-risk, high-reward option with the potential to deliver big points.

• Vice-Captaincy Pick (RJS): Karan Lamba – A reliable middle-order batter with a good strike rate.

• Must Picks (Small League):

  • Karnataka: Shreyas Gopal, Abhinav Manohar
  • Rajasthan: Rahul Chahar, Karan Lamba

• Risky Picks (Grand League):

  • Karnataka: Smaran Ravichandran, Prasidh Krishna
  • Rajasthan: Deepak Hooda, Sachin Yadav

Match Prediction and Outlook

This is a must-win game for both teams as they aim to climb the group table. Karnataka, with their disciplined batting and strong spin attack, might have the edge, especially if the pitch remains spin-friendly. However, Rajasthan’s balanced squad and aggressive approach could make for a nail-biting contest.

If Karnataka can post a competitive total and maintain control in the middle overs, they are likely to take the advantage. But Rajasthan will not go down without a fight, and a strong batting performance backed by tight bowling could see them pull off an upset.

Broadcast and Live Streaming

Unfortunately, this match will not be available for live streaming or TV broadcast in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has restricted live coverage to selected matches only. However, fans can follow the match via written updates on platforms like Sportsdunia or by visiting the Gujarat College Cricket Ground ‘A’ for a live experience.

Conclusion

The Karnataka vs Rajasthan clash on January 6, 2026, promises to be an exciting affair with both teams eager to make a mark in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. With the balance of the group at stake, every run and wicket could prove decisive. Fantasy players will have their work cut out in selecting the right combination, and cricket fans will be in for a treat as the two teams battle it out under the Gujarat sky.

Stay tuned for more updates and live score coverage as the match unfolds.
“`