Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 28: In a landmark moment for the region, Jammu & Kashmir lifted their maiden Ranji Trophy title, defeating Karnataka cricket team in a one-sided final at Hubballi to script history after more than six decades.
The triumph marks a watershed achievement for J&K cricket, ending a 66-year-long wait and igniting celebrations across the Union Territory, as fans hailed the victory as a symbol of perseverance, belief, and transformation.
Winning the toss, skipper Paras Dogra opted to bat first—a decision that laid the foundation for a memorable triumph. J&K piled up a mammoth 584 in 173.1 overs, riding on a disciplined and collective batting display. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a masterful 121, while Yawer Hassan (88) and Dogra himself (70) ensured stability in the top order.
The middle and lower order further consolidated the innings, with Abdul Samad (61), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), and Sahil Lotra (72) contributing vital runs. Despite a five-wicket haul from Prasidh Krishna, Karnataka bowlers struggled to contain the relentless J&K batting unit.
In response, Karnataka faltered under pressure and were bundled out for 293, conceding a massive 291-run first-innings deficit. Captain Mayank Agarwal stood tall with a fighting 160, but lacked support from the other end as J&K bowlers dominated proceedings.
Leading the charge was Auqib Nabi Dar, who produced a sensational spell of 5/54—his seventh five-wicket haul of the season—firmly tilting the contest in J&K’s favour. Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh Charak provided able support, ensuring Karnataka never recovered.
With a commanding lead, J&K tightened their grip in the second innings. Qamran Iqbal delivered a stellar unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra capped off a dream match with an unbeaten century (101). Their unbroken stand extinguished any hopes of a Karnataka comeback.
Though the match ended in a draw, J&K’s overwhelming first-innings lead secured them the title, as per tournament rules.
The historic occasion was witnessed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present at the venue and applauded the team’s remarkable achievement.
J&K’s path to glory was anything but easy. After a modest start, including a defeat against Mumbai cricket team, the team bounced back with resilience. A dominant win over Rajasthan reignited their campaign, while consistent performances in the league stage ensured qualification to the knockouts.
They outclassed Madhya Pradesh cricket team in the quarterfinal and overcame a strong Bengal cricket team side in the semifinal, showcasing steady growth and belief.
A major architect behind this transformation has been coach Ajay Sharma, whose experience and guidance reshaped the team’s approach to red-ball cricket. From an aggressive, inconsistent unit, J&K evolved into a disciplined and formidable side.
Captain Paras Dogra described the victory as the biggest moment of his career, crediting team unity and lessons learned from last season’s narrow heartbreak. “Every run mattered this season, and we made sure not to repeat past mistakes,” he said.
Player of the Series Auqib Nabi Dar termed the triumph “unbelievable,” highlighting years of struggle and hard work. He emphasized the importance of process over results and dedicated the win to the people of J&K.
Player of the Match Shubham Pundir called the achievement “surreal,” stating that the team’s focus was always on batting long and building partnerships rather than chasing numbers.
Karnataka captain Devdutt Padikkal sportingly acknowledged J&K’s superiority, praising their consistency and admitting his side fell short under pressure.
This historic win is being widely regarded as a turning point for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir. From underdogs to champions, the team’s journey has inspired a new generation of cricketers across the region.
