Jammu and Kashmir win HISTORIC maiden Ranji Trophy title, Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra tons headline final day vs Karnataka
Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by winning their first Ranji Trophy crown, out-batting Karnataka and sealing the title with a huge first-innings advantage in the final.
Jammu and Kashmir won the title based on a draw, supported by a huge 291-run lead (Picture Credirs: PTI)
Ranji Trophy Final: Jammu and Kashmir showcased a remarkable story of grit and determination by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after outplaying traditional powerhouse Karnataka on Saturday. It marked the end of a memorable season in which they faced both established teams and rising sides with confidence and smart tactics.
On paper, the outcome indicates that Jammu and Kashmir won the title based on a draw, supported by a huge 291-run lead over the eight-time champions in the first innings. On the last day, they further cemented their position on the game, reaching 342/4 in their second innings and increasing their lead to 633 runs, securing a historic victory.
Jammu and Kashmir's Triumph : A Story of Determination and a Dream Fulfilled
Opener Qamran Iqbal smashed his second first-class hundred and remained unbeaten at 160, while Sahil Lotra brought p his maiden first-class with an unbeaten 101 - the perfect finishing touch to a memorable triumph
Jammu and Kashmir's victory displayed the story of determination and the strength of dream that had been building for more that six decades
It was 67 years ago when Jammu and Kashmir made their debut in India's premier domestic competition, which is now 92 years old. It was a historic moment for a team that made its domestic competition debut 67 years ago - a tournament that carries a rich legacy spanning over 90 years.
Jammu and Kashmir had previously reached the quarterfinals in the 2013 14, 2019 20 and 2024 25 seasons, but each time their campaign ended in heartbreak.
Karnataka failed to pick even a single wicket on the fifth day, after Jammu and Kashmir resumed at 186 for four overnight.
Pacer Auqib Nabi was the standout performer once again
Pacer Auqib Nabi was the standout performer once again, as he finished the season by claiming a five-wicket haul for the seventh time. Sahil Lotra starred with both a half-century and a century, while skipper Paras Dogra made headlines for the landmark of 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, becoming only the second batter to achieve the feat. Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad and Kanhaiya Wadhawan also contributed valuable half-centuries.
The road to victory started with Shubham Pundir's elegant century which laid the platform for Jammu and Kashmir's mammoth first-innings total of 584, and from that point on, they rarely allowed Karnataka a way back into the contest.
Karnataka, who had been one of the most consistent teams throughout the season, was outplayed by an underdog that relied not on dramatic moments but on sharper tactics and better awareness of the game. Jammu and Kashmir steadily tightened their grip on the match, leaving Karnataka searching for answers.
The defining moment arrived at 2:10 pm, when the two captains agreed to shake hands inside the modest dressing room, sparking wild celebrations in the Jammu and Kashmir camp.
List of Ranji Trophy winner over the past decade
Over the past decade, teams like Saurashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and now Jammu and Kashmir have lifted the Ranji Trophy.
| Year | Winner |
| 2024-25 | Vidarbha |
| 2023-24 | Mumbai |
| 2022-23 | Saurashtra |
| 2021-22 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 2019-20 | Saurashtra |
| 2018-19 | Vidarbha |
| 2017-18 | Vidarbha |
In the coming years, Jammu and Kashmir too will hope to see members of this title-winning squad make the step up to the national team. Their triumph stands as a reminder to domestic sides across the country that a united team effort, built around the common goal of winning the Ranji Trophy, can not only bring silverware but also open the doors to higher honours for deserving players.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on India.com.