Cricket fans are still buzzing over Jammu and Kashmir’s groundbreaking Ranji Trophy triumph on February 28 in Hubli. Captained by Paras Dogra, they outmaneuvered eight-time champions Karnataka via a first-innings lead in a drawn final at D.R. Bendre Stadium, marking their debut title.
Batting first after a favorable toss, J&K racked up 584 thanks to collective brilliance: Shubham Pundir’s 121, Yawar Hassan Khan’s 88, Sahil Lotra’s 72, Kanhaiya Wadhawan’s 70, and Dogra’s 70. It was a textbook display of grit and technique.
Karnataka’s response was dismal at 293 all out, with only Mayank Agarwal (160) resisting. Aquib Nabi’s five-for, alongside two wickets each from Sunil Kumar and Yudvir Singh, and one from Lotra, triggered the collapse.
Leading by 291, J&K’s second knock dipped to 11/2 before openers Kamran Iqbal (160*) and Lotra (101*) unleashed mayhem in a 197-run unbeaten stand, pushing to 342/4 declared post-Lotra’s hundred.
The draw handed J&K the trophy. Pundir shone as Player of the Match, Nabi as Tournament MVP. This underdog story redefines possibilities, proving perseverance pays in India’s premier domestic showdown.