HUBBALLI: Until a few years ago, they were the punching bags of domestic cricket. Sport, however, has a way of rewriting destinies. On a scorching Saturday afternoon here, cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir kept their date with history by winning their first Ranji Trophy title, a huge achievement 66 long years in the making.
Against eight-time champions Karnataka, J&K barely put a foot wrong in five days, clinching India’s premier red-ball domestic title thanks to a 291-run first innings lead. It was a triumph based on discipline and faith: the team out-batted, out-thought and dominated Karnataka in their own backyard. As the match ended, an emotional CM Omar Abdullah captured the moment on his phone from the stands. The season’s most outstanding player, seamer Aquib Nabi, was declared Player of the Series for his 60-wicket haul.
J&K’s celebrations on Saturday reflected the journey of a team that had traveled a long and arduous path. The victory marked the fulfillment of a dream that began on a winter morning on January 15, 1960, when Kanwar Sethi led Jammu and Kashmir in their first Ranji Trophy match against East Punjab at the Jalandhar Municipal Stadium.
The debut ended in a 78-inning, 78-run loss. It subsequently took 22 years for the team to record its first Ranji victory, a four-wicket victory over Services in Udhampur in 1982. From that first victory to the ultimate prize, the journey has lasted almost 44 years, years marked by hardship and resilience.
With limited infrastructure, difficult terrain, political unrest and administrative challenges, competitive cricket often struggled to survive in the region.
However, the dream endured. Among those who built confidence was the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi, whose influence helped transform the team from underdogs to true contenders in 2011.
Over the years, players, coaches and administrators have carried that vision forward, with former India and Delhi batsman and current coach Ajay Sharma guiding the team towards what will hopefully be the first of many milestones.
J&K’s triumph continues a growing trend in domestic cricket of traditional powerhouses being challenged by emerging teams. Over the last decade, barring Mumbai’s titles in 2015-16 and 2023-24, the Ranji Trophy has largely belonged to first-time winners or teams that have ended long droughts.
Gujarat’s big win in 2016-17 was followed by Vidarbha’s first title and subsequent successes. Saurashtra and Madhya Pradesh have also enjoyed historic victories.