Jammu and Kashmir are now just one day away from rewriting their cricketing history as they head into the final day of the Ranji Trophy final with a massive 477-run lead over Karnataka in Hubli. What once felt distant now stands within reach, with the side firmly in control of their maiden title charge.
Former India cricketer Parvez Rasool, who has witnessed the region’s cricketing journey from close quarters, believes this moment is the result of years of perseverance finally coming together. Watching J&K tighten their grip on the final, he reflected on how far the team has travelled in his recent column for PTI.
“Just when Yudhvir Singh got the final wicket in Karnataka’s first innings, I couldn’t stop smiling. Jammu and Kashmir are now all set to become Ranji Trophy champions on Saturday. It is not a dream anymore but a reality.”
Rasool noted that this rise has been built over time, with the side steadily transforming from participants into genuine contenders.
“We have all waited for this day for the past a decade and a half since the time J&K started becoming more than a decent competitive side.”
He also singled out pace spearhead Auqib Nabi for his match-shaping contributions.
“But what Auqib Nabi has done for us, it is beyond imagination. This is a kind of performance which no one can ignore and I think the day is not too far away when he would be donning the India colours.”
J&K ON THE CUSP OF INDIAN CRICKET HISTORY
Jammu and Kashmir have dominated the contest across four days.
After posting 584 in the first innings, they dismissed Karnataka for 293, largely thanks to Auqib Nabi’s five-wicket haul of 5 for 54, which secured a commanding 291-run lead.
In the second innings, despite slipping to 11 for 2 early, Qamran Iqbal’s unbeaten 94 helped steady the innings. By stumps on Day 4, J&K had moved to 186 for 4, stretching their overall lead to 477.
With Karnataka now facing a near-impossible chase on the final day, Jammu and Kashmir are within touching distance of a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title.
