Cricket fever grips Hubli as the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite final unfolds between Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka at KSCA ground starting February 24. Paras Dogra-led J&K seeks to etch their name in history with a first title, while Devdutt Padikkal’s Karnataka aims to add a ninth to their illustrious cabinet after a prolonged wait.
From a shaky start with a loss to Mumbai, J&K scripted an unbeaten streak, toppling Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Bengal en route to the final. Key performers like Shubham Khajuria, Umran Malik, and Aquib Nabi have embodied grit and talent, positioning the team for a transformative victory that could ignite grassroots cricket back home.
Karnataka roared into the final by overwhelming Uttarakhand in the semis with massive scores. Their batting lineup, featuring KL Rahul’s class, R Samarth’s consistency, and Padikkal’s leadership, has been unstoppable bar one setback against MP. With Karun Nair’s return imminent and a balanced attack, they’re geared for success.
Don’t miss the action: Live on Star Sports, streaming on JioHotstar. Teams: Jammu & Kashmir: Paras Dogra (captain), 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 (captain), 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.
As stumps are drawn, this matchup promises narratives of triumph, heartbreak, and pure cricketing passion.