Ranjit Thakur/ Rajesh Dhar
rajeshkhannadhar26@gmail.com
thakur.ranjit3@gmail.com
It is history now. Jammu and Kashmir have etched their name in golden letters as Ranji Trophy Champions. At the KSCA Stadium in Hubballi, Karnataka, a defining moment unfolded as the team scripted an extraordinary chapter in the annals of Indian cricket. This remarkable triumph is not merely a victory on the scoreboard but a testament to resilience, belief, and the indomitable spirit of a side that rose above challenges to claim its rightful place in cricketing history.
In a domestic season rich with stirring underdog stories, none has resonated with the quiet force of inevitability quite like the ascent of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. For a side that began its first-class journey in 1959-60 and had long inhabited the margins of India’s red-ball hierarchy, the march to a maiden final and being crowned as Ranji Trophy champion 2025-26 after 67 years is not merely a statistical breakthrough. It is the culmination of decades of struggle, sporadic promise, structural reform and a season of audacious cricket.
Jammu & Kashmir clinched a historic Ranji Trophy 2025-26 title, powered by a commanding first-innings lead over eight-time champions Karnataka. Opting to bat on a batsman-friendly pitch at KSCA Stadium in Hubballi, J&K amassed a colossal 584 in their first dig. Shubham Pundir’s masterclass 121 anchored the innings, backed by Yawer Hassan (88), Sahil Lotra (72), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), Paras Dogra (70), Abdul Samad (61), Yudhvir Singh (30), and Abid Mushtaq (28). J&K then skittled Karnataka for 293, securing a massive lead. Aquib Nabi starred with his season’s 7th five-wicket haul (5/54), pushing his tally to 60 wickets; Yudhvir Singh and Sunil Kumar claimed 2 each. Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra’s brilliant second-innings centuries slammed the door on Karnataka’s faint hopes, scripting J&K’s triumphant history.
The Semi-final That Became a Statement
On February 18, 2026, at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground, J&K defeated the two-time champions Bengal cricket team by six wickets in a thrilling semifinal. Chasing a modest target of 126 after bowling Bengal out for 99 in their second innings, J&K displayed calm and clarity under pressure. Young Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43, hitting the winning six over long-on, a moment now etched in the annals of J&K cricket history. Abdul Samad played a vital counterattacking innings of 30 not out, turning potential nerves into momentum.
Yet, the most defining contribution came from pacer Auqib Nabi. Nabi’s nine wickets in the match underscored his season-long dominance. Fresh from a sensational 12-wicket haul in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh, Nabi has now claimed 55 wickets in 2025-26, making him the highest wicket-taker in the tournament and the first J&K bowler to surpass the 50-wicket mark in a single season.
The match also placed J&K among an elite set of teams: only the fourth in Ranji history to win a semifinal outright after conceding a first-innings deficit. Trailing Bengal by 26 runs, they staged a brilliant comeback, dismissing the hosts for 99 and comfortably chasing the target. Anatomy of the 2025-26 J&K’s campaign blended collective excellence with individual brilliance.
Shubham Khajuria’s 190 against Chhatti-sgarh stabilized innings in critical moments. Hailing from Jammu, Shubham has played 84 First Class matches and scored 4655 runs with an average of around 33. Abdul Samad’s century against Hyderabad, coupled with a 191-run partnership with Kanhaiya Wadhawan, showcased maturity under pressure. He also scored 82 and unbeaten 30 runs against mighty Bengal in semifinals. Hailing from Rajouri, Samad has played 38 First Class matches and scored 2265 runs with an average of around 45.
Abid Mushtaq’s seven-wicket haul dismantled Rajasthan and Hyderabad. Hailing from Bhaderwah, Abid has scored 1455 runs with an average of 27.4 and has taken 134 wickets in 44 First Class matches. Wicketkeeper batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan has been one of the architects of J&K victories. Hailing from Jammu, Kanhaiya has played 15 First Class matches and scored 813 runs, averaging 38.7.
The pace quartet – Auqib Nabi, Sunil Kumar, Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh – consistently reduced opponents to rubble. While Auqib in his 40 First Class matches has taken 151 wickets, Yudhvir Singh and Sunil Kumar have taken 48 in 18 and 29 in 9 matches respectively. Sunil Kumar hails from Kathar in Akhnoor, while Yudhvir is from Jammu.
Eight outright wins in 13 matches, half away from home, underscore J&K’s newfound consistency and adaptability. Victories were achieved not through fleeting brilliance but through preparation, discipline, and collective resolve.
Historical Significance
J&K’s story is not just statistical; it is symbolic. They are the first Himalayan team to be Ranji Trophy Champions, transcending decades of peripheral status.
They are the 17th unique finalist in the 91-year history of Ranji Trophy, a testament to the growing competitiveness of domestic cricket. Individual milestones, like Dogra’s 10,000-run landmark and Nabi’s 60 wickets, anchor a season of exceptional achievement.
Looking Ahead
The verdict is out but the impact of this campaign reverberates far beyond a single match. For generations of young cricketers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the message is clear: systematic preparation, discipline and belief can overcome decades of marginalization. J&K’s 2025-26 campaign has already redefined Indian domestic cricket’s geography of success. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the cricketing heartlands, the boys from J&K have announced their arrival on the national stage – with authority, style, and substance. The proverb “As you sow, so shall you reap” resonates perfectly with Jammu & Kashmir’s journey. From their debut in 1959-60, decades of struggle, intermittent victories and visionary mentorship, the team has cultivated not just skill but belief and identity. The Himalayan heights, long considered a metaphorical barrier, have now become the backdrop of a cricketing revolution.
Story of JK Cricket
J&K’s cricketing odyssey began with the formation of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association in 1957, spearheaded by the visionary Late Ram Chand Tickoo and other prominent Kashmir cricket clubs. The team debuted in Ranji Trophy in 1959-60, but decades passed with sporadic success. Their first victory came only in 1982-83 against Services, under the leadership of fast-bowling all-rounder Mehboob Iqbal, with Vinod Khajuria, Ashender Koul and Parvaiz Qaiser making pivotal contributions.
Successive generations contributed intermittently. Batting all-rounder Ashwani Gupta, fast bowler Abdul Qayoom, and others carried the torch in the 1980s. The 1990s and early 2000s were marked by interruptions due to terrorism and administrative instability, yet coaching interventions by Devendra Arora, Jyanti Lal and Parthasarathi Sharma ensured the team retained glimpses of potential.
However, the 2021-2026 era stands as the undisputed golden age of Jammu and Kashmir cricket, propelled by Mithun Manhas’s visionary leadership. It delivered unprecedented success: near-total qualification of all age-group men’s and women’s teams across formats, crowned by the Senior Men’s team’s stellar achievements.
J&K’s rise is a story of strategic evolution. No longer confined to the role of underdogs, the team has redefined its identity. Geography and history no longer dictate expectations; preparation, cohesion and skill now define outcomes.
This generation of cricketers is not just winning matches – they are reshaping perceptions: Abdul Samad, Vanshaj Sharma, Vivrant Sharma, Yawar Hassan and Kanhaiya Wadhawan represent a youthful core capable of sustaining success. The batting backbone of Paras Dogra, Shubham Khajuria and Abdul Samad ensures competitive totals in any condition.
The pace and swing arsenal of Auqib Nabi, Sunil Kumar, Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh provide match-winning firepower.
Management reactions
“Jammu & Kashmir’s trailblazing Ranji Trophy campaign stands as an indelible testament to unyielding hard work, a meticulously disciplined process and unwavering institutional support. This historic triumph owes its glory to the pivotal contributions of our resilient players, visionary leadership from former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, dedicated JKCA administrators, CAC members, and astute selectors-who together forged a path to victory against all odds. It is the sheer embodiment of the players’ indomitable grit, unshakeable faith in the process, and the invaluable backing provided by Jay Shah during his tenure as BCCI Secretary.”-
— BCCI President- Mithun Manhas.
“We demonstrated unwavering commitment by providing a consistent platform to the same core group of talented players, instilling in them the steel of discipline and a relentless work ethic. Even amid setbacks and individual failures, we placed unshakeable faith in their potential, backing them with strategic opportunities to grow and prove themselves. In response, the players repaid our trust with extraordinary grit-rising to the challenge, forging unbreakable team unity, and delivering performances that not only silenced doubters but propelled us to new heights of success on the field,”
Chief Selector— Sarabjeet Singh
“Last season and this one, our players have embraced over a dozen practice matches and meticulously planned exposure tours, meticulously simulating the high-stakes pressures of Ranji Trophy combat while unearthing flaws early-before they become fatal weaknesses. These aren’t mere games; they are dynamic classrooms, forging resilient warriors ready to conquer the national stage.”
JKCA Member Administration
— Brig Anil Gupta.
“This team is a complete package-a powerhouse blending skill, grit, and unyielding spirit. Former Director of Cricket Operations and Development and now BCCI President, Mithun Manhas has been instrumental in instilling ironclad discipline and exemplary character in every member. This squad is primed to conquer the best teams in the world.”
— Member Cricket Operations and Development-Vidhya Bhaskar.
Coaches who shaped champions
Ajay Sharma
(2025-26) Head Coach for the current historic Campaign, combining experience and tactical acumen to bring J&K to the brink of a first title.
Ajay Jadeja (2001-02) – Guided the team to its first knockout appearance, emphasizing mental toughness and unit cohesion. It was under the mentorship of former Test Cricketer Ajay Jadeja in 2001-02 seasons that Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team led by Abdul Qayoom qualified for the knockouts for the first time in history.
Irfan Pathan (2018-19) – Unearthed a new generation of fast bowlers and all-rounders, including Abdul Samad and Rasikh Salam, laying the foundation for sustained competitiveness.
Bishan Singh Bedi (2011-13) – Instilled discipline, self-belief and nurtured talents including Parvez Rasool, the first J&K cricketer to represent India.
thus spoke players
“The administrators and management have equipped us with every requisite facility, empowering us to flourish on the grandest stages. With self-belief surging to unprecedented heights across every team member, we stand unbreakable. Our success is a testament to unwavering faith in the process.”
— Kanhaiya Wadhawan
“This J&K team has shown remarkable poise, staying ice-cool even in the most nerve-shredding crunch situations. Vital contributions from our lower-order batters, combined with unwavering support from the bowling unit for our sensational Aqib Nabi, have been the bedrock of our success throughout the tournament.”-
— Abid Mushtaq.
“When surrounded by exceptional bowlers and seasoned mentors, there’s simply no excuse not to deliver your absolute best. Our system champions a disciplined process, while the team thrives on unshakeable self-belief.”
— Yudhvir Singh
“We are truly fortunate to have such world-class facilities at our disposal, fostering an environment of excellence. Every member of the team is pouring their heart and soul into every session, and the results speak volumes on the field. Our bowlers are delivering performances of the highest order, while the batters are relentlessly turning the tide with unwavering determination and skill. The atmosphere within the camp is electric-charged with unity, focus, and unbridled passion,”
— Shubham Khajuria.
“The secret to my success lies in the superb, relentless work ethic of all our bowlers-they’ve been the backbone of our victories. Partnering with world-class talents like Aaqib and Yudhvir multiplies your confidence tenfold, turning every challenge into an opportunity. It’s an absolute privilege to be part of this extraordinary team, where unity and skill create magic on the field.”-
— Sunil Kumar.
“This Jammu and Kashmir squad is a dynamic blend of raw talent from our promising youngsters and the seasoned expertise of our battle-hardened campaigners. It’s an absolute privilege to captain a side of this caliber-one that thrives on youthful energy and veteran wisdom. I’ve savored every moment of the game while leading this team,”
— J&K Captain – Paras Dogra.
“The coaching staff has been outstanding, masterfully unlocking the full potential of every player, with our bowlers shining particularly bright under their guidance. I’m utterly gutted that a twisted ankle sidelined me just before the grand finale-but mark my words, J&K is poised to claim the trophy this season and etch its name in glory.”-
— Vanshaj Sharma.
The management and coaching staff have backed me like anything-unwaveringly, through thick and thin. I hadn’t been at my best for the last few matches, struggling to find my rhythm. Yet, they persisted with me, honing my skills and instilling belief until I could flourish in the all-important final against the formidable Karnataka side. This triumph is a testament to their faith; I owe every bit of my success to the JKCA.”-
— Yawer Hassan.
“This team is an entirely different beast altogether. We operate as a seamless, cohesive unit-backing one another relentlessly and reveling in each other’s triumphs. Individual brilliance has its place, but true championship success lies in the unbreakable power of teamwork.”
— Auqib Nabi
“Performing under the weight of relentless criticism has always been a formidable challenge. Yet, the unwavering faith of the JKCA in my abilities, coupled with the sheer dint of my hard work and unyielding determination, turned the tide and made this triumph possible. I remain optimistic that we will rise as champions this season.”-
— Shubham Singh Pundir.
“It has been an absolute privilege to be part of this incredible team. The boys have mastered the art of tackling the toughest rivals with grit and precision. As you know, application is the name of the game-and every member, from players to support staff, is applying themselves to absolute perfection.”
— Abdul Samad.
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