When the Jammu and Kashmir team walks out on the fifth and final day of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 final against Karnataka, they won’t just have their supporters behind them, they’ll also have a very special guest in the stands. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has travelled to Hubballi to watch the big game at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.
Omar Abdullah to cheer J&K in Ranji final
The Ranji Trophy final has been a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, who are on the verge of winning their first-ever title. Led by Paras Dogra, the team has already made the state proud by reaching this stage.
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“On our way to Hubli to cheer the J&K cricket team as they play the final of the Ranji Trophy. They’ve already made lakhs of people so very proud of their achievements by reaching the final. I’m really looking forward to spending the day tomorrow in the stands cheering them on," Abdullah posted on X (formerly Twitter).
J&K vs Karnataka Day 4 stumps
Karnataka did try to fight back in the match. After conceding a huge 291-run first-innings lead, they struck early in J&K’s second innings, reducing them to 11/2. It looked like the momentum might shift. But J&K again shifted the momentum of the game, with opener Qamran Iqbal leading the way. He remained unbeaten on 94 and helped his side regain control.
At stumps on Day 4, J&K were 186/4 in 17 overs. With just one day left, they are in a strong position and inching towards a memorable win.
Earlier in the match, Auqib Nabi, who is the highest wicket-taker in the domestic red ball tournament, again flexed his form in the title decider. He picked up another five-wicket haul, finishing with impressive figures of 5/54 in 23 overs. His spell helped bowl Karnataka out for 293 in 93.3 overs, in reply to J&K’s massive first-innings total of 584.
Among Nabi’s key wickets were KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Smaran Ravichandran and Shikhar Shetty. Agarwal fought hard and scored 160 off 266 balls, the highest score in Karnataka’s innings, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.