With Karnataka all but guaranteed to face Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final, the suspense has now increased at the venue of the important encounter. The eight-time champions will get to host the final as they finished with 27 points as against Jammu and Kashmir’s 24 points.

It is understood that the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubli is the frontrunner along with BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) on the outskirts of Bengaluru. However, the final in the COE will make it a closed-door affair, which does not bode well for India’s premier domestic competition.

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the hub of Karnataka cricket, is unlikely to be considered as it is in the midst of civil works in line with the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha report, prepared as part of the investigation into the tragedy that struck Royal Challengers Bangalore during their title-winning celebrations last June.

The Aloor Ground near Bengaluru has its own limitations in terms of both broadcasting and viewing area for fans. But wherever the match is held in Karnataka, Devdutt Padikkal is likely to lead the team despite his injury against Uttarakhand here on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old in-form player knocked down Abhay Negi in the street, but in the process his right hand was cut. After receiving treatment, he did not return to the field, but remains calm confident that this blow will not be the end of the tournament.