Kamal Ghorui
Jammu and Kashmir etched their name in Indian cricket history by claiming their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on Saturday at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli. A historic season, marked by grit and determination, saw J&K outplay favourites and fellow underdogs alike, proving that persistence and strategy can triumph over legacy.The final ended in a draw, but J&K’s commanding 291-run first-innings lead was enough to secure the championship. They extended their advantage to 633 runs by finishing 342/4 in the second innings, with opener Qamran Iqbal scoring 160 not out and Sahil Lotra recording his maiden century of 101 not out.
STAR PERFORMANCES SHINE BRIGHTJ&K’s success was built on a collective effort. Skipper Paras Dogra crossed 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, while Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad, and Kanhaiya Wadhawan contributed valuable half-centuries. Pace spearhead Auqib Nabi dominated with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul for the seventh time this season, and played a key role in turning both the semifinal and final in J&K’s favour.The team’s 10-match campaign demonstrated a rare mix of patience, tactical intelligence, and cohesion, showing that cricketing glory is not just about big names but smart execution.FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO GLORYJammu and Kashmir made their debut in India’s premier domestic competition 67 years ago, and had previously reached quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25, but faltered under pressure. This time, the team approached the final with calm and confidence, leaving no doubt about their readiness.Karnataka, despite their legacy and experience, struggled to gain any foothold. On the final day, they failed to take a single wicket after J&K resumed at 186/4, underscoring the visitors’ dominance.SEMIFINAL TEST PREPARES THE CHAMPIONSJ&K’s path to glory was tested in the semifinal against Bengal at Kalyani, where Bengal’s first-innings lead created a tense moment. But Nabi’s brilliant bowling dismantled Bengal for just 88 in the second innings, giving the team belief that a historic triumph was within reach. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a classy century, setting up a massive total of 584 and maintaining momentum for the final.OUTSMARTING THE HEAVYWEIGHTSKarnataka, a nine-time Ranji champion, entered the final expecting dominance. Yet, they were outplayed tactically by a team of relatively unknown players. Even a resilient Mayank Agarwal, who scored 160, couldn’t shift the balance. J&K’s consistent pressure, game awareness, and skill execution ensured that the favourites were never in control.INSPIRING GENERATIONS BEYOND CRICKETThis victory carries more than sporting significance. It sends a message of hope and possibility across Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating how determination and teamwork can overcome obstacles. Pacer Auqib Nabi had long envisioned cricket infrastructure growth in the region, and moments like these could accelerate development and inspire a new generation of cricketers.The historic moment arrived at 2:10 pm, when both captains shook hands in a modest dressing room, sending the J&K squad and supporters into jubilant celebrations. For a team and a region that waited decades for this glory, the triumph was a dream realized and a legacy cemented.
