In a high-stakes showdown at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, Jammu and Kashmir skipper Paras Dogra called correctly at the toss in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 final against Karnataka on Thursday. Opting to bat first, J&K aims to set a formidable total on a pitch that promises variable conditions.
This clash pits two ambitious sides against each other. Karnataka, with eight previous titles under their belt, is hungry for a ninth, led by the dynamic Devdatt Padikkal. For J&K, it’s a historic opportunity to claim their maiden Ranji crown, a dream that has eluded them despite recent progress.
The playing surface features a green tinged grass cover but appears somewhat dry underneath. Early moisture could aid seamers, but as the match wears on, spinners might find turn and grip, making the captain’s decision to bat a calculated gamble.
Dogra, reflecting on the toss win, emphasized simplicity: ‘The pitch looks dry, and there could be turn later. We’ve kept our strategy straightforward, played good cricket by God’s grace, and just need to stick to basics. A few changes were forced on us.’
Karnataka’s Padikkal, unfazed, quipped about his toss woes: ‘Doesn’t matter much. I’ve lost three tosses already this season. We’d have bowled first too. Reaching the final is huge—many youngsters experiencing it in their debut or second season. Our team’s unchanged.’
Jammu & Kashmir Playing XI: Kamar Iqbal, Yawar Hasan, Shubham Pundir, Paras Dogra (c), Abdul Samad, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (wk), Abid Mushtaq, Aquib Nabi Dar, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Sahil Lotra, Sunil Kumar.
Karnataka Playing XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Devdatt Padikkal (c), Karun Nair, Smaran Ravichandran, Shreyas Gopal, Kruthik Krishna (wk), Vidyadhar Patil, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Shikhar Shetty, Prasidh Krishna.
As the first ball is bowled, fans brace for a thriller that could redefine domestic cricket legacies. Stay tuned for live updates as these titans battle for glory.