Jammu and Kashmir’s cricket team has scripted history by winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time, drawing the final against Karnataka on first-innings lead in the 2025-26 Elite group. The emotional high peaked when JKCA president Anil Gupta called Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, exclaiming, ‘Doctor Sahab, we won!’
After 67 long years, this victory breaks a historic drought, filling the union territory with pride. PM Narendra Modi celebrated on social media, calling it a reflection of J&K’s rising sporting spirit. ‘Kudos to J&K for their maiden Ranji Trophy win. It highlights the region’s discipline and zeal, motivating youth to pursue excellence in sports,’ he tweeted.
Match highlights were aplenty. J&K dominated the first innings with 584 runs. Standout performances came from Shubham Pundir (121), Yawar Hassan (88), and skipper Paras Dogra (70). Karnataka managed 293, with Mayank Agarwal’s 160 going in vain as Auqib Nabi Dar’s five-wicket haul dismantled them.
The second innings saw Kamar Iqbal’s masterful unbeaten 160 (311 balls) and Sahil Lotra’s 101 not out, steering the team to safety. This isn’t merely a win; it’s a milestone that underscores J&K’s emergence as a cricketing force, promising more glory ahead in domestic arenas.