How J&K Beat Karnataka to Clinch Historic Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Crown

In a result that will redefine the cricketing identity of the region, Jammu and Kashmir cricket team ended a 67-year wait by lifting their maiden Ranji Trophy title. The 2025-26 final against Karnataka cricket team in Hubballi ended in a draw, but J&K’s commanding 291-run first-innings lead sealed a historic triumph, a fairytale culmination to a season built on belief, discipline and resilience.

How did Jammu and Kashmir outplay Karnataka in their first-ever Ranji final?

Led by Paras Dogra, Jammu and Kashmir laid the foundation over the first two days with a mammoth 584 in their first innings. Shubham Pundir’s masterful 121 anchored the innings, while Yawer Hassan (88), Paras Dogra (70), Abdul Samad (61), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) and Sahil Lotra (72) ensured there were no collapses.

For Karnataka, pacer Prasidh Krishna stood tall with 5/98 in 34.1 overs, but lacked sustained support.

Despite fielding international stars such as KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair, Karnataka faltered under scoreboard pressure. Only Mayank Agarwal resisted with a valiant 160. The rest of the batting crumbled against Auqib Nabi’s incisive spell of 5/54 in 23 overs, as Karnataka were bundled out for 293, conceding a decisive 291-run lead.

Batting again, J&K drove the advantage home. Qamran Iqbal struck an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra added 101 not out. Paras Dogra declared at 342/4, stretching the overall lead to 633 before the match concluded in a draw on Day 5. By virtue of their first-innings dominance, Jammu and Kashmir were crowned champions.

Shubham Pundir was named Player of the Match, while Auqib Nabi claimed Player of the Series honours for his remarkable 55 wickets in eight matches during the season.

What did Paras Dogra and the players say after scripting history?

An emotional Paras Dogra struggled to articulate the magnitude of the achievement.

"I just can't explain, to be honest. I don't have any words right now. At this time, it's just the biggest thing right now in my life, and I have a lot of gratitude for it. To be honest, I have been lucky to be with JKCA, and the guys have been phenomenal," he said after the match.

He emphasised that the triumph was a collective effort extending beyond the playing XI.

"They have been excellent, and it's not about the 11, like 14, 15 guys, if you'll see, they have been tremendous. They have been putting their hand up, and they have been performing really well. They are really keen to win the matches, and from the beginning, they have been 100% sure that we're gonna win this," he stated.

Player of the Match Shubham Pundir described the moment as surreal.

"It still feels surreal. It feels like a fairytale. But I think for our region, for all the players, and for the management, this is a huge achievement. Everyone has worked so hard for so many years, so I think this is a great accomplishment," he said.

On the team’s batting blueprint, Pundir explained: "The aim was to bat as long as possible. Our plan was ideally to aim for 500-600 runs. But more than the exact number of runs, the focus was on batting for as long as we could. We tried to build a long innings."

Detailing his personal approach, he added: "I think my plan was to see off the new ball as much as possible -- play straight and safely early on, and then look to attack the spinners. That's what the wicket demanded. There was some movement with the new ball, so the idea was to get through that phase. After that, there wasn't much assistance for the spinners."

How did leaders and cricketing icons react to J&K’s triumph?

The victory drew nationwide acclaim.

Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council, praised the team’s perseverance.

"Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance. While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who have toiled behind the scenes to fashion this landmark achievement. I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball. Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world, and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration," he wrote.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted: "They've done it. Well done J&K. #ranjitrophy2026 #RanjiTrophyFinal."

His office later announced: "Congratulating Team J&K on their historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy, the Chief Minister announced a cash reward of ₹2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home turf. Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, he said the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration. The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons."

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan wrote: "Historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Maiden Ranji Trophy title built on belief, strong leadership from Paras Dogra and a remarkable season with the ball from Auqib Nabi. Big contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad and the entire unit. Proud moment."

1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal added: "Congratulations to J&K winning the first Ranji trophy title. The players will remember for ever. Now the real cricket starts in J&K.Youngster will look up there heroes,"

From underdogs at the start of the season to champions who defeated former winners such as Delhi, Rajasthan and Bengal en route to the final, Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph stands as one of the most inspiring chapters in Indian domestic cricket history.

(With inputs from ANI)