Jammu & Kashmir has Finally has written a history by winning a ranji trophy. There are trophies that find a place of pride in cabinets, adding a sheen and Prettiness. and prettied. And then, there are tropies that ‘promise’ to alter the course of history. For Jammu & Kashmir, a State that has carried heavier narratives for several decades in the Indian landscape, their maiden Ranji Trophy title provides that moment to rejoice; its big moment of glory and a clincher of belief.
On Saturday at 2:11 PM, when the capitals decided to shake hands, it became official what was expected for more than 24 hours: that Jammu & Kashmir, who had taken a massive 291-run lead in the first innings, would be crowned champions of the 31st Ranji Trophy. Mayank Agarwal, the Karnataka opener and the highest scorer in the decisive first innings, had promised that the hosts wouldn’t go down without a fight on the final day, evoking memories of their all-out attack against Punjab in the last group game
J&K is now the 19th team to have won Indian Domestic cricket’s biggest prize, and, coming as it does in a decade when hitherto unfancied sides like Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh have established themselves as champion outfits, J&K’s ascension further signals the game’s growing footprint.
J&K had reached the quarterfinals three times before: 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25. Last year’s run, unfortunately, had ended in heartbreak when Kerala bagged the semifinal berth by securing a one-run first-innings lead. Saturday was a sweet redemption.
There was a time when not many knew of J&K cricket,” Rasool said. “So playing the final is a Great thing. Winning and losing are part of the game. But playing the final is great. Now a lot of people follow us, and the atmosphere is getting more and more conducive for cricket.”
Now that it has finally won a final, it is sure to skyrocket.
Also Read / Jammu & Kashmir Write Their Own Fairy-tale, Storm Into First-Ever Ranji Trophy Final
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