Watch: Smaran Ravichandran hammers twin tons against Uttarakhand in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Semi Final

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, saw something extraordinary during the Karnataka vs Uttarakhand clash in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 semi-final 1. One of the best teams in the tournament, Karnataka registered 736 runs in the first innings of the knockout match, thanks to a double century by Devdutt Padikkal, and centuries by KL Rahul and Smaran Ravichandran. 

But what followed in the second innings was magical. Smaran went on to score another century, taking Karnataka's lead to 802 runs at stumps. So far, they have scored 299 runs at the loss of six wickets. The 22-year-old cricketer, who showcased outstanding batting prowess, helped his team take a massive lead in the knockout game. This is one of the main reasons why Karnataka are considered one of the greatest teams in the Ranji Trophy history. 

They have players who contribute in every game, but when it comes to important games, responsibilities increase, and so does the hard work. In the first innings, Smaran scored 135 off 216 runs, hitting 12 boundaries. He did some textbook batting, which was definitely a treat to the eyes. In the second innings, he played a bit faster, scoring 127 off 149 balls, including 12 boundaries and three sixes. 

He stitched a stand of 168 runs with KL Rahul (70*) for the fifth wicket. Smaran has emerged as one of the best batters in the side, and thanks to his knock, Karnataka are most likely to secure a place in the finals and will face Jammu and Kashmir. The Ranji season is coming to an end, but a lot of players have showcased their talent and will be remembered for their knocks. 

Devdutt Padikkal slams double century against Uttarakhand

Karnataka's captain, Devdutt Padikkal, has been in incredible form, scoring centuries throughout the tournament. In the semi-final 1, he scored a double century, giving a huge boost to the team's score. Padikkal, 25, scored 232 runs in 330 balls, including 29 boundaries and three sixes.

His performances throughout the tournament have been impressive, and he is one of the main reasons behind Karnataka reaching the knockouts. Along with him, KL Rahul also scored a century in the first innings and is unbeaten on 70 runs in the second. With a mammoth lead, Karnataka are undoubtedly qualifying for the finals.