Historic Glory! Jammu & Kashmir Win Ranji Trophy in Maiden Final After 67 Years

Jammu and Kashmir etched their name in history by winning the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 in their maiden final appearance. At the KSCA Cricket Stadium in Hubballi, J&K defeated eight-time champions Karnataka by securing a massive first-innings lead of 291 runs. Led by captain Paras Dogra, the team celebrated in style as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah watched from the stands. With this triumph, Jammu and Kashmir became only the 10th team in 92 years to win the Ranji Trophy in their debut final.

Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy Triumph at Hubballi

• Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final was played at the KSCA Cricket Stadium.
• Jammu and Kashmir defeated Karnataka cricket team, an eight-time champion.
• J&K posted a huge 584 runs in the first innings.
• They secured a decisive 291-run first-innings lead.
• The victory came in their very first appearance in a Ranji Trophy final.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy win marks a turning point in the team’s cricketing journey.

Key Performers: Shubham Pundir and Aquib Nabi Dar Shine

• Shubham Pundir scored a crucial century in the first innings.
• Aquib Nabi Dar picked up a match-winning five-wicket haul (fifer).
• Karnataka were bowled out for 293 runs, despite resistance from Mayank Agarwal.
• Captain Paras Dogra led confidently and declared strategically in the second innings.
• The team displayed strong batting depth and disciplined bowling.
• The balanced team performance ensured Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden final win.

Rare Feat: 10th Team to Win Ranji Trophy in Maiden Final

• Jammu and Kashmir became only the 10th team in 92 years to win the Ranji Trophy in their first final.
• They took 67 years since their debut season (1959-60) to lift the trophy.
• The last team to achieve this before J&K was Vidarbha cricket team in 2017-18.
• Interestingly, Karnataka themselves achieved this milestone in 1973-74.
• The first team to do so was Bombay in the 1934-35 season.
• This rare achievement places Jammu and Kashmir among elite domestic cricket teams.

Teams That Won the Ranji Trophy in Their Maiden Final Appearance

Ranji Trophy Legacy

• The Ranji Trophy, started in 1934-35, is India’s premier domestic cricket tournament.
• Named after Maharaja Ranjitsinhji, it has shaped Indian cricket for decades.
• Over 92 years, only a handful of teams have managed to win the title in their maiden final appearance.
• Traditionally dominated by teams like Mumbai (Bombay) and Karnataka, the tournament remains a key platform for emerging cricketing talent across India.

Question

Q. Jammu and Kashmir defeated which team in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final?

A. Mumbai
B. Delhi
C. Karnataka
D. Punjab