In a huge blow to Karnataka's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, skipper Manish Pandey on Saturday (December 26) got ruled out of the competition.

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According to a TOI report, Pandey has been diagnosed with tennis elbow on his left arm and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

The 31-year-old is likely to be out of action for another six weeks. He was part of India’s white-ball squad in Australia and featured in the opening T20 match.

The report also says that the NCA has informed Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) about Pandey’s unavailability for the domestic T20 tournament, scheduled to start on January 10.

Manish Pandey was the highest run-getter for Karnataka in their title-winning campaign last year, amassing 314 runs which also included a blazing 129* in just 54 balls against Services.

Pandey’s injury comes as a huge jolt for Karnataka as the team will also miss the services of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, who are currently on national duty in Australia.

In their absence, Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair will have to take the additional responsibility of leading Karnataka’s batting.

Karnataka's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will be announced when the Fazal Khaleel-led selection committee meets on Sunday (December 27).

(With TOI inputs)