The stage is set at KSCA Hubli for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite final between Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka, commencing February 24. This clash pits a debutant dreamer against a seasoned champion. J&K, led by Paras Dogra, dreams of their maiden crown after an impeccable run post their opening stumble. Karnataka, skippered by Devdutt Padikkal, eyes a record ninth title after a decade in the wilderness.
Jammu and Kashmir’s campaign turned heads after recovering from an initial 35-run defeat to Mumbai. They dominated Delhi at home, crushed Madhya Pradesh in Indore, and outplayed Bengal in Kalyani to storm into the final. Standouts include pace sensation Umran Malik and all-round contributions from Aquib Nabi and Shubham Khajuria, fueling hopes of a historic win that could inspire a cricket revolution in the union territory.
Karnataka enters with momentum from their semi-final demolition of Uttarakhand, amassing over 1,000 runs across two innings. Their sole loss came against Madhya Pradesh by 217 runs, but batting mainstays KL Rahul, R Samarth, and Padikkal have been relentless. With Karun Nair nearing full fitness and bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Vidwath Kaverappa in form, they’re primed for dominance.
Cricket enthusiasts won’t miss this epic showdown. Tune into Star Sports for live coverage or stream on JioHotstar. Complete line-ups: Jammu & Kashmir: Paras Dogra (capt), Abdul Samad, Shubham Khajuria, Kamarun Iqbal, Abid Mushtaq, Vivanrat Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Umran Malik, Yudhvir Singh, Aquib Nabi, Sunil Kumar, Lone Nasir, Muhtaba Yousuf, Musafir Ejaz, Sahil Lotra, Vanshaj Sharma, Umar Nazir Meer, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, Yawar Hassan. Karnataka: Devdutt Padikkal (capt), Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, KV Anish, R Samarth, Shreyas Gopal, Kritik Krishna, Vaisakh Vijaykumar, Vidyadhar Patil, Vidwath Kaverappa, Prasidh Krishna, Mohsin Khan, Shikhar Shetty, KL Shrijit.
Expect tactical battles, fiery spells, and run feasts as J&K challenges Karnataka’s legacy in what could be a final for the ages.