Jammu and Kashmir etched its name in Indian cricket history by winning its first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on Saturday at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli. The historic season, marked by grit and determination, saw J&K outperform favorites and fellow underdogs alike, proving that perseverance and strategy can triumph over legacy.The final ended in a draw, but J&K’s first-innings lead of 291 runs 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 Luthra scoring his maiden century of 101 not out.
India lands in Kolkata for ‘do or die’ WI clash | Semi-final place on the line
The star performances shineJ&K’s success has been built on a team effort. Skipper Paras Dogra crossed 10,000 runs for the Ranji Trophy, while Yawar Hasan, Abdul Samad and Kanhaiya Wadhawan contributed half-centuries.
Pace spearhead Aqib Nabi dominated the ball, took a five-wicket haul for the seventh time this season, and played a key role in turning the semi-final and final round in J&K’s favour.
The team’s 10-match campaign displayed a rare combination of patience, tactical intelligence and cohesion, showing that the glory of cricket is not just about big names but intelligent execution.From humble beginnings to gloryJammu and Kashmir made its first appearance in India’s premier domestic competition in 67 years, having previously reached the quarter-finals in the 2013-14, 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons, but faltered under pressure.
This time, the team approached the final match calmly and confidently, leaving no doubt about its readiness.
Karnataka, despite its heritage and experience, has 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.Semi-final test prepares championsJ&K’s path to glory was tested in the semi-final against Bengal in Kalyani, where Bengal’s first-innings lead created a tense moment.
But Nabi’s brilliant bowling smashed Bengal for just 88 runs in the second innings, giving the team the belief that a historic victory was within reach. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a stylish century, creating a massive total of 584 and maintaining the momentum for the final over.
Superiority over heavy weightsKarnataka, nine-time Ranji champions, went into the final expecting to dominate. However, they were outplayed tactically by a team of relatively unknown players.
Even the all-rounder Mayank Agarwal, who scored 160, could not shake the balance. J&K’s constant pressure, game awareness and skill execution ensured that the favorites never dominated.Inspiring generations beyond cricketThis victory carries more than sporting significance. It sends a message of hope and possibility across Jammu and Kashmir, showing how determination and teamwork can overcome obstacles. Pacer Aqib Nabi has long envisioned the growth of cricket infrastructure in the region, and moments like these can accelerate the development process and inspire a new generation of cricketers.The historic moment arrived at 2:10pm, when the two captains shook hands in the modest dressing room, leading to jubilant celebrations for the J&K team and its supporters. For a team and a region that had waited decades for such glory, the victory was a dream come true and a legacy cemented.
