Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
In a moment that will be remembered as one of the most inspiring chapters in Indian domestic cricket, Jammu & Kashmir clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka in a historic final.
For a team that has long existed on the fringes of the domestic circuit since its debut in 1959, this victory represents far more than a trophy. It is a testament to resilience, belief, and years of perseverance despite infrastructural and systemic challenges.
Led by captain Paras Dogra, the side dominated the match across all five days. The defining moment came when the captain declared the innings with a massive 584-run lead, effectively sealing the contest and etching their names into cricketing history.
The final was illuminated by remarkable individual performances, most notably from Qamran Iqbal, who delivered a stunning unbeaten 160. Called into the playing XI at short notice following an injury to a senior player, Iqbal rose to the occasion with a composed and memorable century in the final.
Equally impactful was Sahil Lotra, who showcased his all-round brilliance. Stepping in as a replacement, Lotra contributed an unbeaten century in the second innings, 72 runs in the first, and chipped in with the ball, making him one of the standout performers of the match.
Karnataka, despite their rich legacy and experience, were outplayed in every department. The opposition bowlers went wicketless on the final day, underlining Jammu & Kashmir’s complete dominance.
Throughout the season, the team’s success was built on consistent contributions. Auqib Nabi emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 60 wickets, including a crucial five-wicket haul in the final, while Abdul Samad led the batting charts with 749 runs.
Reflecting on the journey, coach Ajay Sharma highlighted the team’s growth and the lessons from past heartbreaks, particularly a narrow loss in the previous season that strengthened their resolve.
This triumph is not just a sporting achievement—it is a powerful narrative of belief overcoming barriers. From the valleys to the plains, Jammu & Kashmir’s Ranji victory stands as a defining moment, inspiring a new generation of cricketers to dream beyond limitations.
