In a historic moment for domestic cricket, Jammu and Kashmir won their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after drawing the 2025–26 final against Karnataka in Hubballi. Despite the match ending without an outright result, Jammu and Kashmir were declared champions because they secured a crucial first-innings lead, a rule that decides the winner in drawn Ranji Trophy finals.
The victory marks a landmark achievement for the team, which has steadily improved over the past few seasons. Many experts had predicted Karnataka would lift the trophy again, given their strong record in domestic cricket. However, Jammu and Kashmir produced a disciplined and confident performance across five days to silence critics and create history.
Jammu and Kashmir laid the foundation for their title win with an outstanding batting display in the first innings. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the team showed patience and control at the crease. Their batters built partnerships and kept the scoreboard moving throughout the innings.
The side posted a massive total of 584 runs, putting Karnataka under immediate pressure. Shubham Pundir was the standout performer with a superb century, scoring 121 runs. Yawer Hassan also played an important role, contributing a solid 88 runs. Several other batters chipped in with useful scores, helping the team reach a commanding total.
In response, Karnataka struggled to match the same batting depth. Although captain Mayank Agarwal fought hard and scored an impressive 160 runs, he did not receive enough support from the rest of the batting lineup. The team was eventually bowled out for 293 runs, handing Jammu and Kashmir a huge first-innings lead.
The bowling unit of Jammu and Kashmir played a key role in maintaining control. Auqib Nabi was the star with the ball, picking up five crucial wickets and breaking Karnataka’s momentum. Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh supported well with two wickets each, while Sahil Lotra added one wicket to the tally. Their disciplined bowling ensured Karnataka never recovered fully.
With a big first-innings lead in hand, Jammu and Kashmir entered the second innings in a very strong position. Their goal was clear — bat safely, avoid collapse, and make sure Karnataka had no realistic chance to force a win.
The team once again showed maturity with the bat. Qamran Iqbal produced a brilliant unbeaten knock of 160 runs, displaying patience and excellent shot selection. He faced over 300 deliveries, frustrating Karnataka’s bowlers and eating up valuable time.
Sahil Lotra also impressed with the bat, remaining not out on 101 runs. His composed century further strengthened Jammu and Kashmir’s grip on the match. Together, the pair ensured there were no late surprises.
By the end of Day 5, Jammu and Kashmir had reached 342 runs in their second innings. With time running out and their first-innings advantage secure, the team decided to declare. Soon after, the match officially ended in a draw.
According to Ranji Trophy rules, when the final ends in a draw, the team with the first-innings lead is declared the winner. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir were crowned champions, completing a dream campaign.
The triumph is being celebrated as one of the biggest moments in the region’s cricket history. Winning the Ranji Trophy is considered the highest achievement in India’s domestic red-ball cricket, and this title could inspire a new generation of cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir.
Team officials and supporters praised the players for their discipline, teamwork, and belief under pressure. From the strong first-innings batting to the controlled bowling effort and calm second-innings approach, Jammu and Kashmir executed their plans almost perfectly.
For Karnataka, the defeat will be disappointing, especially after Mayank Agarwal’s fighting century. However, the team will take positives from their campaign and look to bounce back stronger next season.
As celebrations begin for Jammu and Kashmir, their maiden Ranji Trophy victory will be remembered as a breakthrough moment — proof that persistence, planning, and teamwork can help even underdog teams reach the top of Indian domestic cricket.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash