By Tridib Baparnash
Hubballi (Karnataka), Feb 28(UNI) At exactly 2.11 pm on February 28, history beckoned Jammu & Kashmir. When the captains shook hands on the final afternoon in Hubballi, it only formalised what had been inevitable for more than a day – Jammu & Kashmir, armed with a massive 291-run first-innings lead, were crowned champions of the 91st Ranji Trophy, marking a watershed moment for a region that had waited 67 years to lift Indian domestic cricket’s most coveted prize.
Facing eight-time champions Karnataka in their maiden final, Jammu & Kashmir showed neither nerves nor hesitation. From the opening session of Day 1, they dictated terms with a blend of authority and composure that belied their inexperience at this stage. Shubham Pundir’s historic century, the first by a batter from the state in a Ranji Trophy final, set the tone. His unbeaten 117 anchored a dominant start, while Yawer Hassan and Abdul Samad ensured the momentum never dipped.
By the time the first innings closed at a towering 584, built on contributions across the order including resolute knocks from skipper Paras Dogra, Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Sahil Lotra, the foundations of something special had been laid.
Even a five-wicket haul from Prasidh Krishna could not stem the tide. Jammu & Kashmir had batted Karnataka out of the contest on a surface that demanded patience and discipline.
If the batters built the platform, the bowlers drove home the advantage. Auqib Nabi Dar delivered a spell that will be remembered for years, removing key batters and reducing Karnataka to 57/4. Though Mayank Agarwal mounted a valiant rearguard with a superb century, Jammu & Kashmir never loosened their grip. Karnataka were eventually bowled out for 293, handing the visitors a decisive 291-run lead, effectively the moment the title slipped from the hosts’ grasp.
What followed was confirmation of supremacy. Despite an early wobble in the second innings, opener Qamran Iqbal produced a masterclass in temperament, crafting a marathon 160 off 311 deliveries. At the other end, Sahil Lotra capped a dream final with his maiden first-class century, remaining unbeaten on 101. Their unbroken stand on the final day drained any lingering hope Karnataka harboured.
Even the introduction of part-time options, including KL Rahul rolling his arm over after more than a decade in first-class cricket, reflected the inevitability of the outcome.
When Paras Dogra declared their second innings at 342/4 and the handshakes followed, the celebrations began, measured at first, then emotional and unrestrained. For Dogra, a veteran of 24 years and over 10,000 first-class runs across three teams, it was a maiden Ranji Trophy title and a crowning moment in a long, nomadic career.
For Auqib Nabi, who finished the season as the highest wicket-taker, it was validation of sustained excellence across conditions. For Lotra, Pundir, Iqbal and the rest, it was the reward for belief and collective resilience.
This triumph was not fashioned in a single week. Jammu & Kashmir had battled their way through the season, scripting a stirring comeback win against Mumbai in Srinagar, hammering Delhi in the national capital, and overcoming Madhya Pradesh in Indore and Bengal in Kolkata in the knockouts. The final was not an isolated peak but the culmination of a campaign defined by grit, adaptability and quiet confidence.
On a placid Hubballi surface that tested patience more than skill, Jammu & Kashmir demonstrated both in abundance. They outbatted, outbowled and outthought one of India’s most decorated domestic sides that included as many as five India internationals. More importantly, they carried with them the aspirations of a region where cricket has long been both refuge and hope.
ICC chair Jay Shah hails J&K’s historic triumph
Hailing J&K’s achievement as a shining example of grit, perseverance and collective endeavour, ICC chairman Jay Shah congratulated the team and expressed hope that it would inspire generations of cricketers from the region. Applauding the landmark success, Shah acknowledged not only the players but also the support system that worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
“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,” he wrote on social media.
Emphasising the wider significance of the victory, Shah said the title-winning campaign could act as a catalyst for aspiring cricketers across Jammu & Kashmir. “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,” he said.
Highlighting cricket’s enduring capacity to produce uplifting narratives, Shah added that he hoped Jammu & Kashmir’s fairytale run would receive the admiration it deserved. “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 further wrote.
Abdullah announces Rs 2 crore reward
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in attendance on the final day of the Ranji Trophy final, announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore and government job opportunities for players and support staff following the team’s maiden title win.
“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,” Office of Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, stated on social media.
