Jammu and Kashmir scripted history on Saturday by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on the basis of a massive first-innings lead in a drawn final, marking a landmark moment in the region’s cricketing journey.
Playing their first-ever Ranji final, J&K displayed remarkable composure and dominance throughout the contest. After posting a commanding 584 in their first innings in reply to Karnataka’s 293, J&K tightened their grip on the match and later finished at 342/4 in the second innings, ensuring an unassailable lead to seal the title.
As the final whistle confirmed their triumph, jubilant scenes unfolded on the ground with players dancing to dhol beats in celebration. Head coach Ajay Sharma was seen sharing the joyous moment with his squad, wearing a beaming smile and joining in the festivities.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, present on the occasion, expressed pride as Jammu and Kashmir were crowned new Ranji champions, ending a 67-year wait for the elusive title.
Shubham Pundir’s crucial century laid the foundation for the historic win, while pacer Auqib Nabi’s seventh five-wicket haul of the season pushed Karnataka further on the back foot. J&K’s calculated approach with both bat and ball reflected their steady rise in red-ball cricket.
From being underdogs to lifting the coveted Ranji Trophy, Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph stands as a testament to grit, belief and growing cricketing excellence in the Union Territory.
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