Just before what would have been the Tea break, the captains shook hands, ushering in a moment that was a first in the long history of Indian cricket. Jammu
and Kashmir were crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the first time.
The wait has been long, 67 years to be precise. It was in 1959-60 that J&K made their Ranji debut.
For a long time the team, troubled by geo-political complexities, were no better than pushovers. But they massively improved their game in the last decade or so and even entered the quarter-finals in the 2013-14, 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons. This time, they were determined to go beyond, and helped by some fine performances, including the massive 60-wicket Ranji season haul by pacer Auqib Nabi, they have joined the elite club of Ranji Trophy champions.
They signed off a dominating show in the final by tormenting traditional powerhouse Karnataka on the fifth and final day. Resuming on an overnight score of 186/4, J&K did not lose a single wicket in two sessions of play. Qamran Iqbal (160 not out) brought up his second first-class century and Sahil Lotra (101 not out) his first. Lotra’s celebration — push-up and a thigh-five — was almost symbolic of his team’s power-packed performance. When the captains decided to call it a day, J&K were 342/4.
The accolades poured in from all quarters. Not just cricketers, but also politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, congratulated Paras Dogra’s team for their feat.
“The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions’ kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir’s journey from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves, is beautiful,” Sachin Tendulkar remarked on X.
Skipper Dogra was understandably overwhelmed. “I can’t explain to be honest, I have no words. At this time, it is the biggest thing in my life. This will be the biggest gratitude I will have in my life before I go away from this world,” Dogra said.
Brief scores: J&K 584 & 342/4 decl. (Qamran Iqbal 160 n.o., Sahil Lotra 101 n.o.). Karnataka 293. Match drawn (J&K won on 1st innings lead).
