The Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 final at KSCA Hubli ground saw Jammu and Kashmir dictate terms on day three against Karnataka, enforcing a follow-on threat after their 584. Karnataka responded valiantly, reaching 220/5 with Mayank Agarwal’s unbeaten 130 the highlight, yet trailing by 364.
A modest start saw KL Rahul (13 off 39, 2×4) depart, caught off Aquib Nabi Dar. Mayank then built steadily with Devdutt Padikkal (11), but wickets tumbled: Padikkal, Karun Nair (0), and Smanan Ravichandran (0) left Karnataka reeling at 57/4.
Shreyas Gopal’s 27 fueled a crucial 105-run rescue act with Mayank, steadying nerves. Gopal’s exit brought Kirthik Krishna (27, 2×4), and their 58-run partnership unbeaten propelled the score beyond 200 in 69 overs.
Aquib Nabi Dar’s 3/32 spearheaded J&K’s effort, with Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh Charak taking one wicket apiece.
J&K’s innings was a batting masterclass. Shubham Pundir (121, 14×4) and Yawar Hassan (88) added 139 for the second wicket. Abdul Samad (61) and Pundir’s 124-run stand fortified the total. Captain Paras Dogra (70) and Sahil Lotra (72) excelled. Karnataka’s Prassid Krishna claimed 5/98, with Vidyadhar Patil, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Shreyas Gopal, and Shikhar Shetty taking one each.
Karnataka’s fightback hinges on Mayank, but J&K’s dominance suggests a potential rout unless the hosts mount a miracle.