Jammu and Kashmir are now just a day away from rewriting their cricketing history as they head into the final day of the Ranji Trophy final with a massive 477-run lead over Karnataka in Hubli. What once seemed distant is now within reach, with the side firmly in control of their first title charge.
Former Indian cricketer Parvez Rasool, who has witnessed the region’s cricketing journey up close, believes this moment is the result of years of perseverance finally coming together. As he watched J&K tighten up in the final, he reflected on how far the team had traveled in his recent column for PTI.
RANJI TROPHY FINAL, KARNATAKA vs J&K DAY 4: HIGHLIGHTS
“Just when Yudhvir Singh got the last wicket in Karnataka’s first innings, I couldn’t stop smiling. Jammu and Kashmir are now all set to become Ranji Trophy champions on Saturday. It’s no longer a dream but a reality.”
Rasool noted that this rise has been built over time, with the party gradually transforming from participants to genuine contenders.
“We have all been waiting for this day for the past decade and a half ever since J&K started becoming more than a decent competitive side.
He also highlighted the pace of the spearhead Auqib Nabi for his contributions to shaping the match.
“But what Auqib Nabi has done for us is beyond imagination. This is the kind of performance that no one can ignore and I think the day is not too far when he dons Indian colours.”
J&K ON THE MUG OF INDIAN CRICKET HISTORY
Jammu and Kashmir dominated the competition over the four days.
After posting 584 in the first innings, they bowled out Karnataka for 293, largely thanks to Auqib Nabi’s five-wicket haul of 5 for 54, which secured an impressive lead of 291 runs.
In the second innings, despite slipping to 11 for 2 early, Qamran Iqbal’s unbeaten 94 helped steady the innings. At stumps on day 4, J&K moved to 186 for 4, taking their total lead to 477.
With Karnataka now facing an almost impossible chase on the final day, Jammu and Kashmir are within reach of a historic first Ranji Trophy title.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
28 Feb 2026 09:25 IST
