J&K Cricket Team Gifts GI-Tagged Willow Bat to Piyush Goyal

In a heartwarming gesture celebrating their historic triumph, the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. The champions presented him with a special GI-tagged willow bat, signed by every player on the squad. This unique gift symbolizes the region's exquisite craftsmanship and the spirited essence of cricket. Piyush Goyal shared his delight on social media platform X, posting a photo of the team and the bat. 'Received a GI-tagged willow bat from the recent Ranji Trophy champions, Jammu and Kashmir cricket team,' he wrote. 'This thoughtful gift truly fills me with joy, showcasing J&K's outstanding artistry and the spirit of cricket.' Under captain Paras Dogra's leadership, J&K ended a 67-year drought by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title. The final against Karnataka ended in a draw, but J&K's first-innings lead of 291 runs sealed their victory. They posted a massive 584 in their first dig, powered by Shubham Pundir's brilliant 121, Yawar Hassan's 88, and Sahil Lotra's 72. Karnataka crumbled for 293 in response. In their second innings, J&K declared at 342 for 4, comfortably ahead. Pacer Aquib Nabi Dar was the hero, claiming 5 wickets in the final and a staggering 60 across the tournament. Captain Dogra shone with the bat, amassing 637 runs at an average of 49.53 in 10 matches. Abdul Samad topped the run charts for J&K with 748 runs, including a century and five fifties at 69 average. This victory marks a new chapter for J&K cricket, blending sporting excellence with cultural pride through the GI-tagged bat, a product of Kashmir's renowned willow craftsmanship.