Jammu and Kashmir cricket team lifted their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after defeating eight-time champions Karnataka cricket team in the 2025–26 final at Hubballi. Although the match officially ended in a draw, Jammu and Kashmir were crowned champions on the basis of a massive 291-run first-innings lead — a margin that underlined their dominance across five days of gripping red-ball cricket. For a team that entered the season as rank outsiders, this victory was not just about numbers on a scoreboard. It was about rewriting history, breaking barriers, and proving that belief can overcome pedigree. After a 67-year wait, Jammu and Kashmir finally etched their name on the most prestigious trophy in Indian domestic cricket.
A Maiden Final, A Monumental Performance
Playing their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, the Paras Dogra-led side showed no signs of nerves. Instead, they displayed composure, hunger and tactical maturity that belied their relative inexperience at this stage. From the opening session of the final, it was evident that Jammu and Kashmir were not content with merely participating. They wanted to dominate. And dominate they did. Winning the toss and opting to bat, J&K laid the foundation of their historic triumph with a colossal first-innings total of 584 runs — a statement of intent against one of India’s most successful domestic sides. The innings was built patiently, session by session. There were no reckless flourishes, no desperate strokes. Instead, there was discipline and calculated aggression. Shubham Pundir, calm and composed under pressure, anchored the innings with a magnificent 121. His century was not flashy but authoritative — a knock that blended patience with precision. Every boundary seemed to sap Karnataka’s energy further. He was not alone. Yawer Hassan contributed a vital 88, narrowly missing out on a century but adding invaluable stability in the middle order. Captain Paras Dogra chipped in with 70, leading from the front both with the bat and in body language. Abdul Samad added a brisk 61, while Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) and Sahil Lotra (72) ensured the tail did not wag but roared. By the time the innings ended, Karnataka had been pushed into unfamiliar territory — chasing the game in a final. For Karnataka, pacer Prasidh Krishna stood tall amid the storm. His figures of 5 for 98 in 34.1 overs reflected both skill and resilience. Bowling long spells with intensity, he tried to pull his side back into contention. Yet cricket is rarely won by individual brilliance alone. While Krishna struck crucial blows, the rest of the bowling unit struggled to contain the relentless J&K batting lineup. By the time Jammu and Kashmir were bowled out for 584, the psychological advantage had firmly shifted.
Karnataka’s Star Lineup Falters
When Karnataka began their reply, expectations were high. After all, their batting card read like a who’s who of Indian cricket. The presence of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair gave them the aura of favourites. On paper, it looked formidable. On the field, however, Jammu and Kashmir had different plans. Karnataka’s innings never truly settled. Early wickets disrupted momentum, and pressure mounted steadily. The scoreboard ticked, but not fluently. Mayank Agarwal fought valiantly, crafting a resilient 160. It was a captain’s knock — patient, technically sound and filled with determination. He absorbed pressure and counterattacked when necessary. But cricket is a team sport. While Agarwal held one end, wickets kept tumbling at the other. Partnerships failed to develop. The middle order, which had delivered in earlier rounds, faltered under the weight of expectation.
Karnataka were eventually bowled out for 293, conceding a massive 291-run first-innings lead — a deficit that would ultimately define the final. The architect of Karnataka’s collapse was Auqib Nabi. Bowling with controlled aggression and impeccable line and length, he dismantled the middle order with figures of 5 for 54 in 23 overs. His spell was not merely about wickets; it was about timing. Each breakthrough came just when Karnataka threatened to rebuild. Nabi’s ability to exploit subtle variations in the pitch and maintain relentless accuracy made him unplayable at times. His performance symbolized the hunger that ran through the entire Jammu and Kashmir squad. By securing such a commanding lead, J&K had effectively seized control of the contest. If the first innings laid the foundation, the second innings cemented the triumph. Batting again with supreme confidence, Jammu and Kashmir showed no inclination to retreat into defensive cricket. Instead, they extended their dominance. Qamran Iqbal produced an unbeaten 160 — a masterclass in concentration and temperament. His innings was measured yet assertive, ensuring Karnataka never sensed an opportunity.
Sahil Lotra, already impressive in the first innings, added an unbeaten 101. Together, they stitched a partnership that drained any remaining hope from the opposition. Captain Paras Dogra declared the innings at 342 for 4 on Day 5, pushing the overall lead to a staggering 633 runs. The declaration was both bold and symbolic. It signaled confidence — the confidence of a team that knew it had already done enough. With insufficient time left for Karnataka to chase the improbable target, the match drifted toward a draw. But under Ranji Trophy rules, the massive first-innings lead meant Jammu and Kashmir were crowned champions. Shubham Pundir’s match-defining century earned him the Player of the Match award. His innings had provided the stability upon which everything else was built. Meanwhile, Auqib Nabi’s remarkable season concluded with him being named Player of the Series. Finishing with 55 wickets in eight matches, he emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers. These individual accolades, however, only highlighted the broader team effort. Every department — batting, bowling, fielding and captaincy — contributed decisively.
The Road to the Final: Giant Killers
Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph did not happen overnight. Their journey to the final was paved with grit and resilience. They defeated former champions such as Delhi cricket team, Rajasthan cricket team, and Bengal cricket team en route to the summit clash. Each victory strengthened belief. Each challenge forged unity. By the time they reached the final in Hubballi, they were no longer underdogs in spirit — only in perception. Beyond statistics and scorecards, this victory carries immense emotional significance. For decades, cricket in Jammu and Kashmir has battled infrastructural limitations, political challenges and limited exposure. This Ranji Trophy win symbolizes resilience and progress. Young cricketers across the region will now see tangible proof that dreams are achievable. The triumph offers inspiration, representation and hope. The 67-year wait has ended, but perhaps more importantly, a new era has begun.
Impact on Indian Domestic Cricket
J&K’s victory also underscores the evolving competitiveness of Indian domestic cricket. Traditional powerhouses can no longer rely solely on reputation. Emerging teams, armed with preparation and belief, are capable of toppling giants. The 2025–26 season will be remembered not just for a new champion but for redefining the competitive landscape. In many ways, this final was a celebration of the Ranji Trophy itself — a tournament that continues to produce gripping narratives year after year. Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph is more than a sporting achievement; it is a historic milestone that reflects perseverance, teamwork and unwavering belief. By outclassing eight-time champions Karnataka with a commanding first-innings lead, the Paras Dogra-led side demonstrated maturity beyond expectation and resilience beyond doubt. From Shubham Pundir’s century to Auqib Nabi’s lethal spell and Qamran Iqbal’s unbeaten masterclass, every performance contributed to a fairytale ending 67 years in the making. As the trophy returns with them, it carries not just silverware but the dreams of an entire region — proof that in cricket, as in life, history can be rewritten by those bold enough to chase it.
