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| Historic Ranji win: PM, Shah hail J&K’s grit and glory | | |  Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 28: As the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team scripted history by clinching its maiden title in the prestigious Ranji Trophy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah led the nation in applauding the stellar performance of the J&K side.
Jammu and Kashmir created history by outplaying the star-studded Karnataka team in all departments of the game at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Ground in Hubballi to lift their first-ever Ranji Trophy crown.
The magnitude of the achievement was reflected in the congratulatory messages pouring in from the country’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Congratulating the team, the Prime Minister said the historic triumph symbolised grit, discipline, and passion.
“Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir team for their first-ever Ranji Trophy win! This historic triumph reflects the remarkable grit, discipline, and passion of the team,” the Prime Minister posted on his social media handle.
“It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there. May this feat inspire many young athletes to dream big and play more,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his congratulations, calling the victory a defining moment for the youth of the region.
“On Jammu and Kashmir winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time ever, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every youth of the region and especially to Team J&K that scripted this history,” Shah wrote on X.
“It is a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride and mirrors the reality that the new changes that have swept Jammu and Kashmir are shaping the identity of its youth. The mantras of peace, progress, and prosperity are the driving force of the New Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
J&K were declared winners of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 on the basis of their massive first-innings lead after the final ended in a draw. Both teams agreed to conclude play on Day 5 with J&K at 324 for four in their second innings, sealing the championship.
From the opening day of the five-day final, the side led by seasoned campaigner Paras Dogra seized control and consistently kept Karnataka on the back foot. Playing their maiden Ranji final, J&K displayed remarkable composure, discipline, and dominance throughout the contest.
After posting a formidable 584 in their first innings and bowling Karnataka out for 293, J&K established a decisive lead. They later consolidated their advantage in the second innings to ensure there was no way back for their opponents.
As the result became official, jubilant scenes unfolded at the venue, with players celebrating to the beats of the dhol. Head coach Ajay Sharma joined the squad in the celebrations, sharing smiles and embraces as history was made.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present at the venue, expressed immense pride as Jammu and Kashmir were crowned Ranji champions, ending a 67-year wait for the coveted title.
Jammu and Kashmir cricket team played their first Ranji Trophy match way back in the year 1960.
However, their first victory in the competition came only in their 99th match in 1982. J&K's fortunes have been on a steady rise in the past decade or so.
They reached the quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25 seasons.
Shubham Pundir’s crucial century laid the foundation for the historic victory, while pacer Auqib Nabi’s seventh five-wicket haul of the season dealt a severe blow to Karnataka’s hopes. J&K’s calculated and disciplined approach with both bat and ball underlined their steady rise in India’s premier red-ball tournament.
From being labelled underdogs to lifting the coveted Ranji Trophy, Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph stands as a powerful testament to resilience, belief, and the growing cricketing excellence in the Union Territory. |
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