Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Final, Review: Jammu & Kashmir script history with maiden title

When the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season began, few would have imagined that Jammu & Kashmir would be lifting the coveted title. J&K scripted history by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy crown after dominating Karnataka in the final at the KSCA Stadium in Hubballi.

J&K began the season with a 35-run defeat against Mumbai in Srinagar, a reality check that exposed early vulnerabilities. But the response was emphatic. An innings victory over Rajasthan, guided by Auqib Nabi’s 10-wicket haul. From there, their fast-bowling unit operated with brilliance, with three wins and three draws seeing them finish second in Group D.

In the quarterfinals, they edged Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs to reach their first-ever Ranji semifinal. Against Bengal, they overcame the challenge of Mohammed Shami and held their nerve to book a maiden final berth. 

In the final, they won the toss and scored 584 in the first innings. Shubham Pundir led the charge with a 121, while Yawer Hassan (88), Paras Dogra (70), Abdul Samad (61), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) and Sahil Lotra (72) ensured contributions across the order. 

In response, Karnataka were bundled out for 293. Mayank Agarwal’s 160 stood tall, but he found little support. Nabi once again proved to be the spearhead, claiming a five-wicket haul and breaking the backbone of Karnataka’s lineup. His season tally swelled to a staggering 60 wickets, making him the Player of the Series.

With a 291-run first-innings lead, J&K batted Karnataka out of the contest in their second innings. Qamran Iqbal produced an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra hit his maiden first-class century (101*). They batted nearly two sessions on the final day without losing a wicket. When the captains shook hands at 2:11 pm, the result ended with match being drawn and J&K named champions on a first-innings lead.