Jammu and Kashmir defeats Karnataka, captures Ranji Trophy for the first time in 67 years

By Samira Vishwas On Feb 28, 2026

This is no longer a dream, it is reality. It took almost seven decades for us to be called ‘National Champions’ and finally the wait is over. The one line written by Parvez Rasool in his recent PTI column put into words the 67 year old dream of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir won the title for the first time in India’s most prestigious domestic cricket competition Ranji Trophy. In the final of the 2026 season, the team achieved this historic victory against Karnataka on the basis of a decisive lead of 291 runs in the first innings.

Jammu and Kashmir, which for decades entered the Ranji Trophy only with the hope of a good week, this time stayed on the field for five days and got the job done. The team led by Parvez Rasool not only played but also achieved the objective of victory.

Strong foundation in the first innings

Jammu and Kashmir strengthened its hold on the match by scoring 584 runs in the first innings. This score was not made on the strength of any one batsman, but due to continuous partnerships. Shubham Pundir scored quick runs in the beginning, Paras Dogra handled the middle order and Sahil Lottra’s unbeaten half-century pushed Karnataka back by the end of Day-2.

Karnataka’s first innings collapsed

Karnataka’s counter-innings never got back on track. Auqib Nabi provided the initial shock, dismissing KL Rahul early and scattering the middle order. The team was reduced to 57/4. Mayank Agarwal played a brilliant inning of 160 runs, but the rest of the batsmen could not support him. Karnataka was all out on 293 and Jammu and Kashmir got a lead of 291 runs, which proved to be decisive in the final.

condition of second innings

Taking advantage of the lead, Jammu and Kashmir batted restrainedly in the second innings also. Recovering from the crisis of 11/2, Kamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra made a brilliant partnership. Kamran scored unbeaten 160 and Lottra scored 101 runs. The team reached 342/4 and declared after lunch. Karnataka no longer had any hope of victory. The match was a draw, but Jammu and Kashmir won the title with a total lead of 633 runs.