Jammu and Kashmir win maiden Ranji Trophy title after final against Karnataka ends in draw

Jammu and Kashmir created history on Saturday by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title. The final against Karnataka ended in a draw, but J&K lifted the trophy thanks to a huge 291-run first-innings lead. After 67 years in India’s premier domestic competition, J&K finally have their name on the trophy.

Dominant Final Day with the Bat

Starting Day 5 at 186 for four in their second innings, J&K were already in control. Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra made sure there was no way back for Karnataka. Iqbal, who was unbeaten on 94 overnight, went on to score 160 not out. He played patiently and did not give Karnataka any chances. At the other end, Lotra brought up his maiden first-class century and remained unbeaten on 101.

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The pair added crucial runs and took the total to 342 for four in 113 overs before captain Paras Dogra declared. J&K’s overall lead had grown to 633 runs by then. At 2.10 pm, both captains agreed to shake hands, confirming J&K as champions.

First-Innings Lead Proved Decisive

The title was set up in the first innings. J&K had posted a massive 584. In reply, Karnataka were bowled out for 293 in 93.3 overs. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi was the standout performer. He claimed five wickets for 54 runs and put Karnataka under pressure early. His spell ensured J&K secured a 291-run lead, which ultimately decided the match. Instead of enforcing the follow-on, J&K chose to bat again and batted Karnataka completely out of the contest.

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Team Effort Across the Season

This win was not about one or two players. It was a full team effort throughout the season. Lotra finished the final with both a fifty and a hundred. Paras Dogra crossed 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs during the season. Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad and Kanhaiya Wadhawan also made important contributions at different stages. Nabi, in particular, had an outstanding campaign, picking up five wickets in an innings for the seventh time this season.

J&K had reached the quarterfinals in previous seasons but could not go further. This time, they showed calmness and belief, even in tough moments like the semifinal against Bengal, where Nabi’s spell turned the match around.

Karnataka Left Searching for Answers

Karnataka came into the final as one of the favourites and were aiming for a ninth title. However, they were outplayed in key moments. On the final day, they failed to take a single wicket. Even part-time options like Karun Nair and KL Rahul were tried with the ball, but nothing worked. The frustration was visible as the match slipped away.