Jammu and Kashmir cricket scripted one of its biggest moments in domestic history on Wednesday, ending a 67-year-long wait by storming into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final.
The landmark achievement came after a commanding six-wicket win in Kalyani, sealing J&K’s place in the summit clash of India’s premier red-ball competition.
The decisive moment arrived in dramatic fashion. Overnight batter Vanshaj Sharma stepped up and launched pacer Mukesh Kumar for a clean six, sending the ball sailing into the stands and triggering scenes of jubilation. Players, staff and officials rushed onto the field at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground, celebrating a breakthrough that has been decades in the making.
For a team that has often remained on the fringes of India’s domestic cricket spotlight, the victory represents far more than just a semifinal win. It signals the arrival of Jammu and Kashmir as a serious force in the Ranji Trophy, capable of matching the country’s traditional powerhouses.
Chasing a modest target of 126, J&K completed the task with confidence, reaching the finish line in just 34.4 overs and wrapping up the match before lunch on Day Four. Though there were moments of tension, the final result was emphatic, underlining the growing maturity of the side.
The journey to the final has been powered by standout individual performances, with several players stepping up at crucial stages.
Leading the charge has been medium-pacer Auqib Nabi, who has emerged as one of the most lethal bowlers of the season. Nabi delivered match-winning spells throughout the knockout stages, claiming 12 wickets against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinal and following it up with nine more in the semi- final.
With 55 wickets in nine matches at an average of 12.7, his rise has been one of the stories of the tournament. His performances have already earned him a Rs. 8.4 crore IPL deal with Delhi Capitals, and many are now wondering if an India call-up could be next.
Supporting Nabi effectively has been left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar, who has provided the perfect balance to the bowling attack. His figures of 3/41 and 4/27 in the semi-final proved crucial in building pressure and ensuring J&K stayed on top of the contest. With 29 wickets in eight matches, Sunil has quietly become one of the team’s key pillars.
On the batting front, Abdul Samad has stood out for his calmness under pressure. The middle-order batter has played several rescue acts this season, including a vital 82 in the semi-final and an unbeaten 30 off 27 balls to steer the chase home. With 655 runs in nine matches at an average of 59.5, Samad has been central to J&K’s historic run.
Captain Paras Dogra has also led from the front, both with the bat and through sharp tactical decisions.
At 41, Dogra continues to defy age, becoming only the second batter in Ranji history to cross 10,000 career runs. His season tally of 551 runs further highlights his importance as the team’s senior statesman and anchor.
Beyond the numbers, J&K’s breakthrough has been widely seen as the result of years of steady progress rather than overnight success. Newly appointed coach Ajay Sharma believes the team’s rise reflects patience, belief and the ability to seize opportunities.
“Cricket always gives you a second chance,” Sharma remarked, pointing out that J&K’s journey has involved setbacks, learning curves and gradual improvement. He noted that the squad has grown significantly in confidence and has learned to handle pressure situations far better than in the past.
Sharma also emphasised the role of better infrastructure, exposure and stronger domestic systems in helping J&K compete at the highest level. According to him, the team now carries a stronger belief system and is prepared to take responsibility against elite opponents.
The broader transformation of J&K cricket has also been shaped by experienced figures like former player and coach Mithun Manhas, who has contributed to strengthening the structure and talent pipeline. Improved coaching support, talent identification and increased match experience have helped the team shed its underdog tag.
For years, Jammu and Kashmir faced challenges ranging from limited resources to difficult playing conditions, but the squad’s resilience has ensured that those obstacles did not define their future.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Prepares For Ranji Trophy Return After 12-Year Absence https://www.vibesofindia.com/virat-kohli-prepares-for-ranji-trophy-return-after-12-year-absence/
