Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir ended a 67-year wait for a maiden domestic title with a historic triumph over Karnataka in the 2025-26 final at KSCA Stadium in Hubballi. J&K sealed the Ranji Trophy crown on February 28, 2026, winning on the basis of a massive first innings lead after the match ended in a draw — a result that set off incredible celebrations across the Union Territory.
The Ranji Trophy champions J&K dominated the final from start to finish. They posted 584 in their first innings and followed it up with 342 for 4 declared in their second. Karnataka, the powerhouse of Indian domestic cricket, could only manage 293 in reply, handing J&K a decisive first innings lead of 291 runs that proved sufficient for the title.
Centuries and Heroes Who Wrote History
Qamran Iqbal starred with an unbeaten 160 in J&K’s second innings, while Sahil Lotra contributed an equally crucial unbeaten 101 to ensure the Ranji Trophy champions had enough runs to force a result. In the first innings, Shubham Pundir led the charge with 121, supported by Yawer Hassan with 88, Lotra with 72, Kanhaiya Wadhawan with 70, captain Paras Dogra with 70, and Abdul Samad with 61.
The Ranji Trophy champions owed much of their bowling performance to Auqib Nabi, whose five-wicket haul dismantled the Karnataka batting order and restricted them to 293. Prasidh Krishna took five wickets for Karnataka in J&K’s first innings, but it was not enough to prevent the historic result.
A Journey Built Over Decades
This was J&K’s first appearance in a Ranji Trophy final. In 67 years of participation in India’s premier domestic competition, they had never once lifted the trophy before this remarkable Ranji Trophy champions moment. Before this season, J&K had only reached the quarterfinals three times.
Their knockout campaign this season was equally impressive. They defeated Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals and then beat Bengal by six wickets in a tense semi-final at Kalyani before completing their journey as Ranji Trophy champions in Hubballi.
Cricket World Celebrates J&K’s Triumph
The cricketing world erupted in celebration as J&K were confirmed as Ranji Trophy champions. ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated the team, while legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle described the result as a heartwarming moment for the region. Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh praised the team’s incredible grit and determination throughout the season.
Captain Paras Dogra, who scored 70 in the first innings to help set the platform, led his team with calm authority throughout the final. The Ranji Trophy champions celebrations at KSCA Stadium included drums, dhols, and colourful fireworks as J&K players waved their regional flag with immense pride, writing a chapter that will be remembered in Indian cricket for generations.
Written by 8JJ.com | March 01, 2026
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