Historic J&K Ranji Trophy Win: Major 67-Year Title Drought Ends

J&K Ranji Trophy Title Ends 67-Year Wait With Historic Win Over Karnataka

J&K Ranji Trophy celebrations erupted across Jammu and Kashmir after the team clinched their maiden domestic title against Karnataka at KSCA Stadium, Hubballi on February 28, 2026. The J&K Ranji Trophy victory came through a commanding first innings lead of 291 runs, securing the title after the four-day final ended in a draw. It is the first time in 67 years of competing in India's premier domestic competition that J&K have lifted the trophy.

How J&K Dominated the Ranji Trophy Final

J&K posted a commanding 584 in their first innings, setting a foundation that Karnataka simply could not match. In response, Karnataka were restricted to 293, handing J&K a first innings lead of 291 runs that would prove decisive. J&K then declared their second innings at 342 for 4, with the J&K Ranji Trophy triumph confirmed through their unassailable lead position.

Shubham Pundir top-scored in the first innings with 121, while Yawer Hassan contributed 88. Sahil Lotra made 72 and captain Paras Dogra scored 70 alongside Abdul Samad's 61, building a massive J&K Ranji Trophy platform that Karnataka had no answer for.

Second Innings Centuries Seal the J&K Ranji Trophy

The second innings performance underlined J&K's superiority throughout the final. Qamran Iqbal led from the front with an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra remained equally dominant with an unbeaten 101. Their unbroken partnership allowed captain Dogra to declare at 342 for 4, leaving Karnataka with an impossible deficit. The J&K Ranji Trophy story was complete.

Auqib Nabi's five-wicket haul in Karnataka's first innings was the bowling highlight, as the spinner dismantled the opposition's batting order. Prasidh Krishna had earlier claimed five wickets for Karnataka in J&K's first innings, but the J&K Ranji Trophy batting firepower made that effort irrelevant.

A Historic Moment for J&K Cricket

The J&K Ranji Trophy win comes at the end of a perfect knockout run. J&K defeated Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals and then beat Bengal by six wickets in the semi-final at Kalyani before completing this J&K Ranji Trophy triumph. Cricket legends, including former India star Yuvraj Singh, took to social media to congratulate the squad on their extraordinary achievement.

Captain Paras Dogra led his side with calm leadership throughout the final. The J&K Ranji Trophy victory is not just a sporting milestone, it is a defining cultural moment for the region that will inspire generations of cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir for years to come.