Jammu And Kashmir Script Ranji Trophy History, Crush Karnataka To Lift Maiden Title

Jammu and Kashmir created Indian cricket history on Saturday (February 28, 2026). Para Dogra & Co. were crowned the national champions for the first time as they lifted the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 title on the basis of a mammoth 291-run first-innings lead against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, Hubballi.

The first-time finalists batted 113 overs in their second innings, allowing overnight batters Qamran Iqbal (160 not out off 311) and Sahil Lotra (101 not out off 226) to complete their respective First Class centuries.

When the skipper signalled the declaration, J&K were 342/4 and had already built a mammoth lead of 633 runs. With the draw, they have become the latest team to win the biggest trophy in Indian domestic cricket.

The unlikely victory, however, was effectively set up by the first innings total of 584 all out, featuring as many as six half-centuries. After winning the toss, the underdogs needed to impose scoreboard pressure against the star-studded hosts, boasting India stars such as KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair, and Prasidh Krishna.

Omar Abdullah Witnessed History

Jammu And Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was present at the KSCA Hubli cricket ground to witness the momentous occasion. He was accompanied by other prominent dignitaries including advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA and chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq.

Abdullah showered praise on the team's desire to win the coveted red-ball tournament and the next big step they should take to represent India in the longer format. He said, “The J&K team looked hungry from the very beginning of the final. It seems they are there to win the title.

"They are hungry and remain ready to prove their mettle at the international level.”

Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, Abdullah later announced a cash reward of INR 2 crore for the victorious team. "The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons," Abdullah said.

The Auqib Nabi Story

Jammu and Kashmir's speedster, Auqib Nabi, has taken the entire nation by storm alongside former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, who urged the BCCI to induct him into the Indian team.

Nabi emerged as a hero in J&K's historic campaign by clinching 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 edition, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the final. He was earlier picked by the Delhi Capitals franchise in the IPL 2026 Auction by a whopping INR 8.40 crore.

The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer over the past few years as he was the second leading wicket-taker in the 2024-25 season, bagging 44 scalps at a superb average of just under 14. Playing for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy, Nabi got four wickets straight in as many deliveries to make national headlines earlier.

Captain Dogra Lost For Words

Having led his team to a title that will be remembered for eternity, an emotional Dogra said: "I can't explain to be honest, I have no words. At this time, it is the biggest thing in my life. This will be the biggest gratitude I will have in my life before I go away from this world.”

The 41-year-old added, "I have been lucky to be with JKCA, the guys have been phenomenal, they have been excellent, it is not about the (playing) eleven, it is (about the) 14-15 guys, they are tremendous, they have been putting their hands up and they have been keen to win the matches. From the beginning, they were 100 per cent sure that we going to win this Ranji Trophy.”