Ranji Trophy: J&K Aims for Glory Against Karnataka's Legacy
Synopsis
Jammu and Kashmir is set to face off against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final, aiming to make history as they seek their first title against the formidable eight-time champions. Can they upset the odds and secure a landmark victory?
Key Takeaways
Jammu and Kashmir is seeking their first Ranji Trophy title.
Karnataka has won the tournament eight times and is the favorite.
Auqib Nabi is a standout bowler for J&K, with 55 wickets this season.
The final takes place on February 24 at KSCA Stadium in Hubbali .
Live broadcast available on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar.
Hubbali, Feb 23 (NationPress) Jammu and Kashmir aims to create an extraordinary story in the realm of Indian domestic cricket as they face the dominant eight-time champions Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final commencing on Tuesday.
Under the captaincy of Paras Dogra, J&K seeks their first-ever title, while Karnataka, led by Devdutt Padikkal, is on the hunt for their first championship in over ten years. The only setback for J&K this season was a 35-run defeat to Mumbai in October, but they have since been on an impressive run.
J&K's journey to the final included victories over Delhi in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh in Indore, and Bengal in Kalyani, showcasing their potential to clinch the title and alter the future of cricket in their region.
On the other hand, Karnataka enters the final as the clear favorites, having amassed 736 and 323 runs in their semi-final against Uttarakhand, with key contributions from KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, and R. Smaran. Karun Nair and Padikkal, who is expected to recover from a hand injury, have been in exceptional form.
Karnataka holds a psychological edge, having triumphed in both previous encounters against J&K. A significant subplot of the final will be the battle between Karnataka's batsmen and J&K's star bowler Auqib Nabi, who has been pivotal to their success with 55 wickets in nine matches at an impressive average of 12.72 this season, the second-highest in the tournament.
In addition to his valuable contributions with the bat, Nabi is just five wickets shy of becoming the leading wicket-taker. While Sunil Kumar and spinner Abid Mushtaq have provided solid support, Nabi remains the key bowler that Karnataka will aim to overcome.
Hubbali has hosted only one match this season, where Karnataka defeated Chandigarh by an innings and 185 runs, with Smaran scoring a remarkable 227 runs. However, J&K has a knack for exceeding expectations, and their wait for a title could conclude if they manage to upset Karnataka—a task that is undoubtedly challenging.
When: Tuesday, February 24, 9:30 AM IST
Where: KSCA Stadium, Hubbali
Where to watch: Star Sports Khel for live TV coverage and JioHotstar for live streaming
Squads:
Jammu and Kashmir: Paras Dogra (captain), Abdul Samad, Shubham Khajuria, Qamran Iqbal, Abid Mushtaq, Vivrant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Umran Malik, Yudhvir Singh, Auqib Nabi, Sunil Kumar, Lone Nasir, Mujtaba Yousuf, Musaif Ajaz, Sahil Lotra, Vanshaj Sharma, Umar Nazir Mir, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, and Yawer Hassan.
Karnataka: Devdutt Padikkal (captain), Mayank Agarwal, K.L. Rahul, Karun Nair, K.V. Aneesh, R. Smaran, Shreyas Gopal, Kruthik Krishna, Vysakh Vijayakumar, Vidyadhar Patil, Vidwath Kaverappa, Prasidh Krishna, Mohsin Khan, Shikhar Shetty, and K.L. Shrijith.
Point of View
Karnataka’s seasoned squad aims to reclaim their former glory. This matchup not only highlights individual talents but also serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian domestic cricket.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ranji Trophy final between J&K and Karnataka?
The final is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, at 9:30 AM IST.
Where can I watch the Ranji Trophy final?
You can watch the final live on Star Sports Khel and stream it on JioHotstar.
Who are the captains of J&K and Karnataka?
Paras Dogra is the captain of Jammu and Kashmir, while Devdutt Padikkal leads Karnataka.
What achievements has Auqib Nabi made this season?
Auqib Nabi has taken 55 wickets in nine matches this season at an average of 12.72, making him a key player for J&K.
How many titles has Karnataka won in the Ranji Trophy?
Karnataka has won the Ranji Trophy eight times.
