Jammu and Kashmir Team Makes History, Lifts First-Ever Ranji Trophy Title

Jammu and Kashmir's cricket dream became reality as they stormed to a historic victory over Karnataka in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy final, rewriting decades of domestic cricket history. From underdogs to champions, the team celebrated a triumph that had eluded them for 67 years, igniting pride across the region.

The final, held in Hubballi, turned into a showcase of J&K's grit, talent, and unshakable belief. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi led the charge with a match-defining 5/54, dismantling Karnataka's batting line-up and turning the game decisively in J&K's favor. With wickets of stalwarts like KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Karun Nair, Nabi ensured that the reigning favourites never got a foothold.

But it wasn't just the bowling that dazzled. The Jammu and Kashmir batting lineup delivered a masterclass in dominance. In the first innings, Shubham Pundir's 121, Yawer Hassan's 88, and Paras Dogra's 70 laid the foundation for a mammoth total of 584. Contributions from Abdul Samad, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, and Sahil Lotra ensured Karnataka faced an uphill battle from the start.

The second innings only amplified the celebration. Qamran Iqbal smashed an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra's 101 pushed the lead to an unassailable 633 runs before J&K declared. Their 197-run partnership was a fitting symbol of their teamwork and perseverance throughout the season.

For Karnataka, Mayank Agarwal's valiant 160 was the lone spark, but it was never enough to match J&K's relentless spirit. By Day 5, the champions had complete control, with even Karnataka's star batters pressed into bowling duties in a desperate attempt to salvage pride.

The win marks a landmark moment in Jammu and Kashmir cricket. After playing their first Ranji match in 1960 and waiting decades for their first significant triumph, the team has now claimed the ultimate prize in Indian domestic cricket. Their journey, built on years of steady progress and near-misses in previous quarterfinals, culminated in a performance that will be remembered for generations.

Fans and players alike erupted in joy as Jammu and Kashmir hoisted the Ranji Trophy, a symbol not just of cricketing excellence, but of resilience, determination, and the power of belief. This is a victory that transforms the team from perennial underdogs into national champions - a moment of celebration that will resonate across the region for years to come.