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By Ishaan Kapoor — 6 August 2026 — 4 min read

Karnataka batter Smaran prepares for new season

R Smaran, a left-handed batter from Bengaluru, is preparing for the upcoming cricket season with clear goals, including breaching the 1000-run mark in the Ranji Trophy. His rise in cricket has been notable, marked by twin centuries in his debut 2025 Ranji Trophy season. He continued his strong form in the 2026 season, becoming Karnataka’s highest run-scorer with 950 runs, which helped the team reach its first Ranji Trophy final in 11 years.

Smaran’s preparation during the off-season is crucial for his ambition to earn an India cap across all formats. He works with his childhood coach, Syed Zabiulla, whom he considers part of his family. The off-season is short, typically lasting about one and a half months, following the IPL and state leagues, and preceding tournaments like the Duleep Trophy. Smaran emphasizes using this limited time optimally to improve technical skills and adjust his mindset to score more runs.

The 23-year-old believes that players must adapt to the demanding schedule, especially with the IPL potentially becoming longer. He focuses on switching quickly between red-ball and white-ball preparations, as each format has distinct requirements. Smaran stated that the short off-seasons have become a norm, and players have adjusted to this schedule.

Off-season training and Duleep Trophy importance

Smaran’s off-season training with Syed Zabiulla involves simulating match conditions, including practicing on various wicket types like red-soil and black-soil surfaces, and deliberately using difficult pitches. This preparation helps him adapt to challenging conditions, particularly in India where wickets tend to assist spin as matches progress into the later days. He also practices against different bowlers to overcome in-match challenges.

The Duleep Trophy, set to begin at the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru later this month, is viewed by Smaran as a critical tournament. For the second consecutive year, he has been selected for the South Zone team. He sees the tournament as a vital launchpad for national team contention, noting that runs scored there hold significant weight. Smaran’s approach is to treat it like any other cricket match, focusing on good preparation, especially since the team plays directly in the semifinals without knowing their opponent.

Smaran aims to keep expectations aside and enjoy the game, believing that excessive expectations can lead to self-imposed pressure. His goal is to perform consistently, taking each game as it comes, and playing with pride for his state and team. He has set a personal target to remain at the top of the scoring charts in the Ranji Trophy, aiming for 1000 runs this year, a feat he acknowledges as tough but not impossible for consecutive seasons.

Multiformat ambitions and IPL experience

Smaran has demonstrated versatility across formats, adapting his game to different demands. He was a key player in Karnataka’s 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy win, scoring 433 runs in seven innings, 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 at a strike rate of 160.

Despite his success in domestic cricket, Smaran’s first full IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) did not go as planned, with modest returns of 19 runs across six matches. He views this as a learning experience, acknowledging that he needs to improve his T20 game, particularly in taking on bowlers from the first ball. He aims to increase his T20 strike rate to 170 or 180, recognizing the evolving nature of the format where scores of 230-240 are becoming common in the IPL.

Smaran also missed the BCCI Emerging series due to an injury but has since recovered and is fully fit. He expressed disappointment about missing the tournament but remains focused on future opportunities. He believes his off-season work will prepare him for the next IPL season, allowing him to contribute more to his team. He values the experience of sharing a dressing room with international players like Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head at SRH, learning from their preparation and mental approach to the game.

Regarding his technique, Smaran primarily focuses on mindset rather than changing his technique when switching between red-ball and white-ball cricket. He notes that red-ball cricket demands more patience and respect for good spells, while white-ball cricket requires more scoring options. He is also working on expanding his shot repertoire, specifically the sweep and reverse sweep, to unsettle spinners, especially on turning tracks in India. Smaran has also captained Karnataka at the age-group level, winning the CK Nayudu Trophy, and was part of the winning side in the Maharaja Trophy, indicating his readiness for leadership roles if the opportunity arises.

Source: newindianexpress.com