Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time, drawing the final against Karnataka and edging ahead on first innings. This Saturday triumph erases 67 years of near-misses since their 1959 entry.
Early struggles defined them: outclassed by giants, starved of facilities and talent. Nineties were a low point, with defeats breeding doubt.
Legend Bishan Singh Bedi flipped the script as coach, embedding a champion’s mindset and combat skills. J&K’s 2013-14 quarterfinal run was the first fruit of this labor.
Parvez Rasool’s 2014-15 side stunned Mumbai, proving their mettle. 2019’s administrative overhaul post-Article 370 brought clarity in picks, funding surges, infrastructure leaps like turf grounds and academies, plus BCCI’s elite resources.
Mithun Manhas’s stewardship of J&K Cricket Association, culminating in Ajay Sharma’s 2022 coaching stint, was transformative. Sharma forged a united, fearless unit under captain Paras Dogra.
Aquib Nabi Dar’s 60-wicket haul headlined, with Shubham Pundir and Dogra delivering match-winning knocks. J&K’s journey underscores that true glory stems from relentless pursuit, setting the stage for sustained excellence.