Jammu and Kashmir made Indian cricket history by clinching their first ever Ranji Trophy title as they beat eight-time champions Karnataka at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli on Saturday. A historic season, marked by grit and determination, saw J&K defeat favorites and other underdogs alike, proving that perseverance and strategy can trump legacy.The final ended in a draw but J&K’s impressive lead of 291 runs in the first innings was enough to secure the championship. They extended their lead to 633 runs by finishing on 342/4 in the second innings, with opener Qamran Iqbal scoring 160 and Sahil Lotra scoring his maiden century of 101 not out.
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SHOWING THE STARS SHINE BRIGHTLYJ&K’s success has been built on collective efforts. Captain Paras Dogra crossed 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs while Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad and Kanhaiya Wadhawan contributed valuable half-centuries. Pace all-rounder Auqib Nabi dominated with the ball, taking five wickets for the seventh time this season and playing a key role in turning both the semi-final and final in J&K’s favour.The team’s 10-match campaign displayed a rare combination 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 the quarter-finals in 2013-14, 2019-20 and 2024-25 but faltered under pressure. This time, the team approached the final with calmness and self-confidence, leaving no doubt about their readiness.Karnataka, despite its legacy and experience, struggled to gain any foothold. They failed to take a single wicket on the final day as J&K proceeded to 186/4, underscoring the visitors’ dominance.SEMI-FINAL TEST MAKES CHAMPIONSJ&K’s journey 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 dismantled Bengal for just 88 in the second innings and gave the team confidence that a historic triumph was within reach. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a classy century, setting up a mammoth 584 and keeping pace for the final.OVERCOME HEAVY WEIGHTSNine-time Ranji champions Karnataka entered the final with expectations of dominance. Nevertheless, they were tactically outplayed by a team of relatively unknown players. Even the resilient Mayank Agarwal, who scored 160, could not tip the balance. J&K’s consistent pressure, game awareness and skill execution ensured the favorites were never in control.INSPIRES GENERATION BEYOND CRICKETThis victory has more than a sporting significance. It sends a message of hope and possibility across Jammu and Kashmir, showing how determination and teamwork can overcome obstacles. Pacer Auqib Nabi has long envisioned the growth of cricket infrastructure in the region and moments like these could accelerate development and inspire a new generation of cricketers.The historic moment came at 2:10 pm when the two captains shook hands in the modest dressing room, sending the J&K team and supporters into wild celebrations. For a team and a region that had waited decades for this glory, the triumph was a dream come true and a cemented legacy.
