Jammu & Kashmir
67 years. 338 matches. From their Ranji debut in 1959 to their first-ever Ranji title in 2026 — the greatest underdog story in Indian domestic cricket.
"On behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I extend heartfelt congratulations. I hope the day is not far when we will see players from J&K playing a very important role in the national team."
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir
The Championship Final
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67 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Jammu & Kashmir first entered the Ranji Trophy in the 1959-60 season. For more than two decades, they couldn't register a single victory — their first win didn't come until 1982-83. For most of their history, J&K were plucky participants rather than genuine contenders.
Cricket in Kashmir has always meant something more than a sport. In a region that has lived through decades of conflict, limited infrastructure, and winters that freeze the ground for months, the commitment to first-class cricket required extraordinary resilience.
The transformation has been gradual but unmistakable. In 2015-16, they stunned Mumbai at the Wankhede under Parvez Rasool's leadership — one of the great upsets in Ranji history.
"Initially it was challenging because it was a very different culture in J&K. It took me around two years to understand these kids. It took time to bond with them. But today they see me as an elder brother."
Ajay Sharma, J&K Head CoachEverything changed under coach Ajay Sharma. He built a coaching team, invested in pre-season preparation, developed both red and black soil pitches, and shifted the mentality from IPL dreamers to Ranji warriors.
The 2025-26 campaign has been extraordinary. After an opening loss to Mumbai, they bounced back with innings victories, destroyed MP in the QF (Nabi: 12 wickets), then beat Bengal in the SF by 6 wickets. In the Final at Hubballi, they didn't just win; they dominated an eight-time champion Karnataka side. Riding on Shubham Pundir's gritty 121, J&K amassed a mammoth 584, bowled Karnataka out for 293, then declared at 342/4 (Qamran Iqbal 160*, Sahil Lotra 101*). Match drawn — J&K won on first innings lead. The first Himalayan team to win the Ranji Trophy.
"Let the youngster finish it"
Chasing 126 to reach their first-ever final, Abdul Samad had destroyed Bengal's attack — 30 off 27 balls. But as the winning moment approached, he held back. He let 22-year-old Vanshaj Sharma launch Mukesh Kumar over long-on for the runs that changed J&K cricket forever. The senior let the youngster write his name in history.
Tactical Profile
Three-pronged seam battery: Nabi (swing), Sunil Kumar (left-arm), Yudhvir (right-arm). 60 wickets from Nabi alone at avg 12.56.
Counter-attacking batting under pressure. Samad's 82 off 85 in the SF, Nabi and Yudhvir's ninth-wicket stand that saved the first innings.
Both knockout wins away from home — MP in Indore, Bengal in Kalyani. Comfortable on any surface.
Key Players
25 years of first-class cricket. Only the second player after Wasim Jaffer to score 10,000 Ranji runs. At 41, led his adopted state to their first-ever Ranji title.
Tournament-leading 60 wickets at avg 12.56. 12-for vs MP in QF, 9-for vs Bengal in SF. Named Player of the Series for his historic campaign.
Player of the Match in the Final. His gritty 121 in the first innings was the backbone of J&K's mammoth 584, batting Karnataka out of the game.
82 off 85 in SF first innings, then 30* off 27 to seal the chase. Let the youngster finish it.
Found through J&K's talent scouting, not through a city academy. 4 wickets as Bengal collapsed for 99 in SF.
Third seamer. Crucial ninth-wicket stand with Nabi in SF first innings turned the match.
43* off 83 in the SF chase. Patient, composed. Hit the runs that made history.
150+ kmph express pacer. His presence adds a fear factor no domestic attack can match.
J&K's all-time leading run-scorer across all formats. 65+ first-class matches since debuting at age 16 in 2011. Through the lean years and into their maiden title.
All-Time Record
* 2025-26 Final drawn; won on 1st innings lead
What They're Saying
“Our team is like Sholay. There is no superstar. Everybody knows his role and plays it to perfection.”
“Talent was never an issue; what mattered was creating the right environment.”
“J&K close in after Nabi's four; Shami gets 8 for 90 but J&K chase down 126 to reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final.”
“Leave the 22 yards, just focus on stumps. Forget everything else.”
History Was Written in Hubballi
J&K won the Ranji Trophy for the first time. 67 years in the making.
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