Jammu and Kashmir win India’s Ranji Trophy for the first time

February 28, 2026

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team has created history by winning the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. They defeated the formidable Karnataka team in the final. This is the first time Jammu and Kashmir has won India’s premier domestic first-class cricket trophy.

The victory was largely due to the brilliant bowling of fast bowler Auqib Nabi and the contributions of batsmen Shubham Pundir (century in the first innings) and Qamran Iqbal (century in the second innings).

Journey from Struggle to Success

Jammu and Kashmir played their first Ranji Trophy match in 1960. However, their first win came in 1982, in their 99th match. For a long time, they were considered a weak team.

The team’s performance has improved over the past few years, reaching the quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25. Now, the team has surprised everyone by winning the trophy.

Strong Performance in the Final

This was Jammu and Kashmir’s 346th Ranji Trophy match and their 47th overall win. The team lost just one match throughout the season, against Mumbai in Srinagar.

In the final, Jammu and Kashmir scored 584 runs in the first innings.

Shubham Pundir scored 121 runs, while Yawar Hasan (88), captain Paras Dogra (70), Abdul Samad (61), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), and Sahil Lotra (72) also made significant contributions.

Auqib Nabi’s Lethal Bowling

Karnataka’s captain Mayank Agarwal scored 160 runs in the first innings, but Auqib Nabi turned the match around by taking 5 wickets.

He dismissed key batsmen like KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Mayank Agarwal.

Huge Lead in the Second Innings

Jammu and Kashmir declared their second innings at 342/4.
Opener Qamran Iqbal scored an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra added 101.
The two shared a 197-run partnership. This extended Jammu and Kashmir’s overall lead to 633 runs, securing a draw and winning the title.

Karnataka’s Legends Also Faded

Before the match, Karnataka was considered a favorite because they had several international players. However, they never really looked competitive in the final.
On the fifth day, the situation became such that batsmen like Rahul, Karun Nair, and Mayank Agarwal were seen bowling—a rare occurrence.

A Historic Win

This victory marks a new beginning for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. After years of hard work and struggle, the team has proven that they can no longer be taken lightly.
The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 title has been sealed for Jammu and Kashmir – and this victory will inspire generations to come.