J&K's willow warriors complete rendezvous with Ranji Trophy, end 66-year quest with historic title

HUBBALLI: Until a few years ago, they were the punching bags of domestic cricket. Sport, however, has a way of rewriting destinies. On a searing Saturday afternoon here, Jammu and Kashmir’s cricketers kept their date with history by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title, an enormous achievement 66 long years in the making.


Up against fancied eighttime champions Karnataka, J&K hardly put a foot wrong over five days, clinching India's premier domestic redball title on the strength of a commanding 291-run first-innings lead. It was a triumph built on discipline and belief — the team out-batted, outthought and tamed Karnataka in its own backyard. As the match ended, an emotional CM Omar Abdullah captured the moment on his phone from the stands. The season’s standout performer, seamer Aquib Nabi, was declared Player of the Series for his haul of 60 wickets.



J&K’s celebrations on Saturday reflected the journey of a team that had travelled a long and arduous road. The victory marked the fulfilment of a dream that began on a winter morning on Jan 15, 1960, when Kanwar Sethi led Jammu and Kashmir in its maiden Ranji Trophy match against Eastern Punjab at the Municipal Ground in Jalandhar.

The debut ended in an innings-and78-run defeat. It subsequently took 22 years for the team to register its first Ranji win, a four-wicket victory over Services in Udhampur in 1982. From that first win to the ultimate prize, the journey has taken nearly 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.

Yet the dream endured. Among those who sparked belief was the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi, whose influence helped transform the team from also-rans into genuine competitors in 2011.

Over the years, players, coaches and administrators carried that vision forward, with former India and Delhi batter and current coach Ajay Sharma guiding the side to what is hopefully the first of many milestones.

J&K’s triumph continues a growing trend in domestic cricket of traditional powerhouses being challenged by emerging sides. Over the past decade, barring Mumbai’s titles in 2015-16 and 2023-24, the Ranji Trophy has largely belonged to first-time winners or teams ending long droughts.

Gujarat’s breakthrough triumph in 2016-17 was followed by Vidarbha’s maiden title and subsequent successes. Saurashtra and Madhya Pradesh have also enjoyed historic wins.



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