In a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian cricket, Jammu and Kashmir’s team has scripted history by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title. Defeating the mighty eight-time champions Karnataka in the final at Hubli’s D.R. Bendre Cricket Stadium, J&K sparked celebrations across the region.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led the jubilation, posting a video of the team’s victory celebrations on X with the caption, ‘Kar dikhaya, well done Jammu & Kashmir.’ The achievement has unified the state in pride, marking a landmark triumph for the union territory’s sporting aspirations.
The match unfolded dramatically. Winning the toss, J&K opted to bat first and posted a formidable 584 in their first innings, powered by Shubham Pundir’s masterful 121, Yawar Hasan Khan’s 88, Sahil Lotra’s 72, Kanhaiya Wadhavan’s 70, and skipper Paras Dogra’s 70. Karnataka faltered in response, bowled out for 293, with captain Mayank Agarwal’s 160 being the lone bright spot.
J&K’s bowlers shone brightly: Aquib Nabi claimed a five-wicket haul, while Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh took two each, and Sahil Lotra chipped in with one. Leading by 291 runs, J&K declared their second innings at 342 for 4, highlighted by an unbeaten 197-run partnership between opener Kamran Iqbal (160*) and Sahil Lotra (101*). Captain Dogra called the innings closed right after Lotra’s century.
The match ended in a draw, but J&K’s first-innings lead sealed their championship. Shubham Pundir was named Player of the Match, and Aquib Nabi earned Player of the Tournament honors. This victory isn’t just about cricket; it’s a beacon of resilience and unity for Jammu and Kashmir, inspiring future generations.