Hubballi — In a landmark moment for Indian domestic cricket, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) captured their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating giants Karnataka in commanding fashion in the final on 28th February 2026. The result not only marks a historic breakthrough for a team long considered underdogs but also underscores the deepening competitive balance in India’s premier first-class cricket competition.
J&K’s campaign culminated in a comprehensive victory over one of the most decorated sides in Ranji history. Karnataka, a multi-time champion with a rich legacy and a roster of national players, was outplayed in both departments batting and bowling as the spirited team from the northern frontier delivered a performance of rare cohesion and resolve.
The final, held in Hubballi, saw the J&K batting lineup build foundational innings, blending grit with calculated aggression to set challenging totals. Key contributions from multiple batsmen ensured that Karnataka’s attack could not dominate proceedings as it has so often in past seasons. On the bowling front, J&K’s seam and spin units combined effectively, consistently probing and exploiting conditions to keep the opposition under pressure.
Jammu and Kashmir played their first game in 1960. However, their first victory in the competition came only in their 99th match in 1982. However, J&K’s fortunes have been on a steady rise in the past decade or so. They reached the quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons. This 2025/26 final was their 346th match in Ranji history, and only their 47th match win.
Right from winning the toss, Jammu and Kashmir have dominated the summit clash against Karnataka at the KSCA Ground in Hubballi. J&K took a 291-run lead on Day 4 after pacer Auqib Nabi took his seventh fifer of the ongoing Ranji 2025-26 season. Mayank Agarwal led a lone fight for Karnataka, but after his dismissal for 160, Karnataka’s innings folded up, and J&K took a significant advantage.
Karnataka pacers Prasidh Krishna and Vijaykumar Vyshak removed Yawer Hassan and Shubham Pundir before the lunch break on Day 4, and J&K were rocked early. However, Qamran Iqbal ensured that the side didn’t suffer more hiccups as he led the batting charge from one end. Paras Dogra (16) and Abdul Samad (32) provided support for some duration, and in the end, Iqbal and Sahil Lotra took J&K to safety at stumps on Day 4 with the score reaching 186/4 and the lead extending to 477.
Jammu and Kashmir declared their second innings on a score of 342/4, after having made 584 in their first innings. Opener Iqbal scored an unbeaten 160 in 311 balls while Sahil Lotra made 101 in 226 balls. Their partnership was on 197 when the two sides shook hands, with Jammu and Kashmir leading by a whopping 633 runs.
Beyond the statistics, the significance of this victory resonates broadly in Indian cricket. Jammu & Kashmir has historically contended with infrastructural constraints, limited exposure and logistical challenges due to its geography. Yet, over recent seasons, the team has steadily matured, producing notable performances that hinted at rising potential. This title confirms that evolution from cricket’s margins to its centre stage.
The J&K victory was greeted with jubilation across the State and among fans nationwide. Social media and cricketing circles buzzed with congratulatory messages as former players, administrators and supporters lauded the team’s discipline, resilience and collective character. Former Indian cricketers remarked that this Ranji triumph is one of the most inspiring in the competition’s storied history, emblematic of how domestic cricket continues to broaden its talent base.
The impact of this title will likely be felt beyond the immediate celebrations. Young cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir now have a powerful benchmark and role model to emulate, and the victory is expected to catalyse further investment in coaching, infrastructure and grassroots programmes within the region. Observers also suggest that this could accelerate opportunities for J&K players in national selection conversations and in India’s various franchise leagues.
On X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah revealed the cash reward of Rs 2 crore for both the players and support staff after their “emphatic” triumph over Karnataka on the latter’s home ground. Abdullah was present in Hubbali, Karnataka, on Friday to support the J&K team. “The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons,” Abdullah said.
