- Jammu and Kashmir clinch their first ever Ranji Trophy title
- Karnataka beaten on first innings lead in drawn final
- Auqib Nabi and Shubham Pundir star in landmark triumph
Jammu and Kashmir have etched their name into Indian cricket history by winning their first Ranji Trophy title, prevailing over nine time champions Karnataka on the basis of a commanding first innings lead. The final ended in a draw at Hubballi, but there was no doubt about which side dominated the contest.
For a team once dismissed as easy opposition, the victory represents a seismic shift in India’s domestic cricket landscape.
How Jammu and Kashmir outplayed Karnataka in the final
Batting first, Jammu and Kashmir piled up a massive 584, setting the tone early. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a resolute 121, supported by half centuries from Paras Dogra, Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad, Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Sahil Lotra.
Karnataka replied through captain Mayank Agarwal’s gritty 160, but momentum swung decisively when Auqib Nabi ripped through the batting order with a match defining 5 for 54, removing key figures including KL Rahul and Karun Nair.
Second innings declaration seals control
In the second innings, Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip further. Qamran Iqbal produced a marathon unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra added a fluent century. The pair’s unbroken dominance forced a declaration at 342 for four, stretching the lead to an unassailable 633 runs.
Karnataka failed to take a single wicket on the final day, underlining the visitors’ complete control at the KSCA Stadium.
From underdogs to champions after 67 years
The title caps a remarkable journey. Jammu and Kashmir debuted in the Ranji Trophy in 1960 but registered their first win only in 1982. This final was their 346th match and just their 47th victory in the competition.
They had reached the quarterfinals on three earlier occasions but fell short under pressure. This season, however, marked a turning point, with the team losing just one match all campaign.
Semifinal comeback showed champion mindset
The defining moment of belief came in the semifinal against Bengal. After conceding a first innings lead, Jammu and Kashmir looked on the brink before Auqib Nabi orchestrated a stunning collapse, bowling Bengal out for 88.
That comeback sharpened their tactical maturity and confidence, qualities that came to the fore in the final.
Team effort defines Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy title
This was not a one man show. Captain Paras Dogra crossed 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs during the season, while consistent contributions came from players who are far from household names.
Their collective discipline, patience and awareness outclassed a Karnataka side brimming with India internationals and widely tipped to claim a ninth title.
What this win means for Indian domestic cricket
Beyond silverware, the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy title breaks psychological and historical barriers. It proves sustained investment, belief and planning can challenge traditional powerhouses.
As the teams shook hands at 2.10 pm, jubilation erupted in the J&K camp. It was not just the end of a match, but the culmination of decades of perseverance.
Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy title is one of Indian domestic cricket’s most uplifting stories. Achieved through depth, discipline and fearless cricket, it has the power to inspire a new generation well beyond the boundary ropes.
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