Ranji Trophy Final: Jammu and Kashmir Script Fairytale Run to the Decider

 

The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final begins on February 24 at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubballi, pitting eight-time champions Karnataka against Jammu and Kashmir in the most anticipated domestic cricket fixture of the season. The Ranji Trophy final marks J&K's maiden appearance in the summit clash — a result 67 years in the making since the team received BCCI affiliation.

 

J&K's Remarkable Journey to the Ranji Trophy Final

 

Jammu and Kashmir's road to the Ranji Trophy final has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their campaign began with a narrow 35-run defeat to Mumbai but quickly gained momentum. They edged past Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs in the quarter-final and pulled off a stunning six-wicket win over Bengal in the semi-final despite conceding a first-innings lead. Captain Paras Dogra, 41, has been the steady hand guiding this young and fearless squad. Pace sensation Auqib Nabi Dar has been sensational, picking up 55 wickets at an average of 12.72 in the Ranji Trophy season.

 

Karnataka's Star-Studded Line-up Eyes Ninth Title

 

Karnataka head into the Ranji Trophy final as firm favourites. Under Devdutt Padikkal's captaincy, the side features KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, and Smaran Ravichandran — who has scored 950 runs in eight matches to lead the tournament's run charts. Karnataka have made 15 previous Ranji Trophy finals, winning eight, and have beaten J&K on each of the four occasions the sides have faced each other. Prasidh Krishna leads a potent pace attack that could prove the decisive factor.

 

Why Hubballi is Hosting the Final

 

The Ranji Trophy final was moved from Bengaluru to Hubballi after M Chinnaswamy Stadium was deemed unavailable due to ongoing safety infrastructure upgrades. The KSCA Managing Committee, led by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, made the decision to promote cricket in regional centres across Karnataka.