Six years ago, a gutted 18-year-old Abdul Samad was sitting in the dressing room, unable to help Jammu and Kashmir clinch the 15 runs needed for a vital first-innings lead in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Karnataka. A fluent 50-ball 43, Samad took a reverse catch to left-arm spinner J Suchith to leave J&K at 192 for eight in the first innings. Karnataka, who made 206 in their first essay, took the remaining two wickets at the same score and led in 14 innings, laying the foundation for a 167-run win that took them to the semi-finals.
Samad has not forgotten that day.
“I remember that match to be very precise, I was batting then. So we had to score 14 runs. I was sad about that match, I think it happened in 2020 and a first innings lead would have helped us qualify and I got out at that time,” Samad told PTI after scoring a measured 61 in J&104 first innings against J&104 first innings. Karnataka.
“And that dismissal haunted me for a very long time when I was a little boy. And I think this win will ease the pain of that day,” added Samad.
But the experience had a cathartic effect on young Samad.
“I think it’s a self-awareness that when I made my debut I was 18. So, now I think I’m an adult as well. Now, I’m 24, so I’m maturing day by day as a batsman and that dismissal made me learn to put a price on my wicket.”
Seen as a white-ball batsman, Samad sat on 748 runs from 10 matches at an average of 57 with one hundred and five fifties.
“Especially this season, I just tried to enjoy the game and learn to keep the match situation in mind. So it worked well for me,” he noted.
But now Samad is a relived man standing with a glittering winner’s medal around his neck. He is no longer haunted by thoughts of personal failure.
Samad credited the bowlers for helping him shake off those painful memories as they produced an inspired spell to bundle Karnataka out for 293 after the batters put on a massive 584 on board.
“I think the pitch played a part, but given that our bowling discipline was much better than theirs.
“So the areas where our bowlers batted the ball, I think that’s where they (Karnataka) lost the game. They didn’t play with that discipline,” Samad said.
The 24-year-old also praised captain Paras Dogra and coach Ajay Sharma for keeping the dressing room calm throughout the season.
“Ajay sir created an atmosphere where he let everyone know what to do. He gave everyone a role and everyone followed it. So that helped us,” he said.
HARD LESSONS FOR SAMAD
Abdul Samad (PTI Photo)
Sharma also explained how he tamed a wild talent like Samad.
“So I was not happy with Samad when I joined the team (2023). He used to throw away his wicket. He was a star till then because he was playing in the IPL.
“So I told him that the IPL is a completely different game. If you win the Ranji Trophy, if you do well in the Ranji Trophy, you become a star. So it took him a while to understand that concept.”
“I dropped him last year after the Mumbai game. He threw away his wicket with an irresponsible shot. So I think he has understood that this year and has kept the value on his wicket. He is the top scorer this year. And he is quite consistent,” beamed Sharma.
Samad echoed this thought.
“They have a lot of experience in domestic cricket and we have a lot to learn from them. Like his (Dogra’s) way of work ethic and taking care of his body. So I think we look up to them and learn a lot from them,” he said.
Samad had no doubts that their first Ranji Trophy would change the future of sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I think this is a very big achievement for every individual from J&K. Not only for the players, the staff, but also for the people of J&K, the youngsters, the budding cricketers. I think it will change the lives of the players and the people of J&K.”
“People will be interested in cricket now and they will try to practice and come for trials as well. So most of the people were not so much interested in cricket before I think and that may change now,” he signed off.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
28 Feb 2026 21:51 IST
