Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Smaran aims for 1000 Ranji runs and multi-format improvement
Smaran’s Domestic Cricket Journey and Goals
R Smaran, a left-handed batter from Karnataka, has established himself as a prominent young talent in domestic cricket. After scoring twin centuries in his debut Ranji Trophy season in 2025, he continued his strong form in the 2026 season, becoming Karnataka’s highest run-scorer with 950 runs. This performance was central to Karnataka reaching their first Ranji Trophy final in 11 years. Smaran’s consistent performance includes 1534 runs in 26 innings at an average of 73.60, featuring three double centuries over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons.
Smaran’s ambitions extend beyond the Ranji Trophy, with a primary goal of earning an India cap across all formats. For the upcoming season, he has set a target of scoring 1000 runs in the Ranji Trophy, a feat he acknowledges as challenging but not impossible. He also aims to remain at the top of the scoring charts in the competition.
Off-Season Preparation and Multi-Format Adaptation
The off-season is a crucial period for Smaran, who works with his childhood coach, Syed Zabiulla. Despite a short off-season due to commitments like the IPL and state leagues, Smaran believes in optimising the available time. His training focuses on adding new technical skills and making mindset adjustments to enhance his scoring ability. He emphasises the importance of rapidly switching between red-ball and white-ball preparations, as each format has distinct demands.
Smaran’s versatility is evident in his ability to adapt across formats. He was a key player in Karnataka’s 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph, scoring 433 runs in seven innings at an average of 72.16, including two centuries and two fifties. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was Karnataka’s leading run-scorer with 319 runs in seven innings, maintaining an average of 63.80 and a strike rate of 160. He attributes this adaptability to his rigorous off-season training, which includes constantly switching between red-ball and white-ball practice sessions.
His coach, Syed Zabiulla, plays a significant role in his preparation, designing training sessions that simulate the challenges of the Ranji Trophy. They practice on various wicket types, including red-soil and black-soil surfaces, and deliberately train on difficult pitches to improve Smaran’s ability to score in challenging conditions. This preparation also includes batting on surfaces that assist spin, which is common in India as matches progress.
Duleep Trophy and T20 Game Development
The Duleep Trophy, scheduled to begin at the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru later this month, is viewed by Smaran as a critical platform. For the second consecutive year, the 23-year-old has been selected for the South Zone team, which will play directly in the semi-finals. He sees the tournament as an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the season and attract national attention.
Regarding his T20 game, Smaran acknowledges that there is room for improvement. His first full IPL season with SRH did not go as expected, though he did contribute to a victory against Chennai Super Kings that helped SRH reach the playoffs. He is focusing on developing his aggressive batting skills to take on bowlers from the first ball, aiming to increase his strike rate to 170 or 180, particularly given the high-scoring nature of modern T20 cricket.
He is also working on expanding his shot repertoire, specifically focusing on the sweep and reverse sweep against spin bowlers. Smaran believes these shots are essential for unsettling spinners and dominating quality spin bowling, especially on turning tracks in the subcontinent. He aims to have these options in his game even if he does not use them frequently.
Leadership Aspirations and Mental Approach
Smaran has expressed his readiness for leadership roles, having captained Karnataka at the age-group level, where he led the team to a CK Nayudu Trophy win. He was also part of the Maharaja Trophy-winning side. He views captaincy as a privilege and looks forward to the opportunity if it arises.
His approach to the game is centered on enjoying the process and focusing on performance rather than external expectations. Smaran believes that excessive expectations can lead to self-imposed pressure. He aims to take each game as it comes, playing with pride for his state and team. He also draws mental strength from observations of international players during his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad, learning how they handle consistent pressure and specific match situations.
Despite missing out on the India A squad for the Sri Lanka tour due to injury, Smaran is now fully fit and focused on scoring more runs. He believes that consistent performance is the only factor within his control, and that opportunities for national selection will follow if he continues to perform well.
Smaran’s primary motivation remains guiding Karnataka to a Ranji Trophy victory after their near-miss in the previous final against Jammu and Kashmir at Hubballi in February.
Source: newindianexpress.com
