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Sachin Tendulkar Hails J&K's Historic Ranji Trophy Win as "Beautiful" Journey

Sachin Tendulkar celebrated Jammu & Kashmir's historic maiden Ranji Trophy title, highlighting the poetic nature of a region famous for its cricket bats now producing champions. J&K secured the trophy by gaining a massive first-innings lead against Karnataka in the drawn final, powered by centuries from Shubham Pundir and Qamran Iqbal. Tendulkar emphasized that the victory was built on sustained excellence, resilience, and standout performances like bowler Auqib Nabi Dar's. He noted the triumph as a defining and inspirational moment for domestic cricket and future generations.

Key Points: Sachin Tendulkar Praises J&K's Historic Ranji Trophy Triumph

  • J&K's first-ever Ranji Trophy title
  • Victory over eight-time champions Karnataka
  • Built on season-long consistency
  • Auqib Nabi Dar's tournament-leading bowling
2 min read

Ranji Trophy: Sachin Tendulkar hails J&K's rise 'from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves'

Sachin Tendulkar hails Jammu & Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy title, calling their rise from bat-makers to champions a beautiful journey of resilience.

"The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions' kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir's journey from being an enabler of champions to becoming champions themselves is beautiful. - Sachin Tendulkar"

New Delhi, Feb 28

Legendary former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Friday hailed Jammu & Kashmir's historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, calling their journey "beautiful" and a shining example of consistency and resilience in domestic cricket.

Congratulating the side after their maiden title win over eight-time champions Karnataka, Tendulkar reflected on the symbolic and emotional significance of the achievement for the region, which has long contributed to Indian cricket through its famed willow bats.

"The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions' kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir's journey from being an enabler of champions to becoming champions themselves is beautiful," Tendulkar wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

J&K scripted history by clinching their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after securing a massive first-innings lead and drawing the final against Karnataka in Hubballi. The visitors piled up a commanding 584 in their first innings, powered by Shubham Pundir's century and strong contributions across the order. Their bowlers, led by the tournament's leading wicket-taker Auqib Nabi Dar's five-wicket haul, then dismissed Karnataka for 293 to gain a decisive advantage.

J&K further tightened their grip in the second innings, with Qamran Iqbal's superb 160 and Sahil Lotra's maiden first-class hundred taking them to 342/4 before skipper Paras Dogra declared. With the lead far beyond Karnataka's reach and time running out, the match ended in a draw, handing Jammu & Kashmir a famous victory based on their dominant first-innings performance.

Tendulkar emphasised that the triumph was no accident but the result of sustained excellence throughout the season. "The season was built on consistency, resilience, and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi's impact with the ball stood out in a demanding campaign," he said.

Auqib was instrumental in J&K's victorious run, producing crucial spells throughout the tournament and delivering match-defining performances in key moments, including the final.

Tendulkar also underlined the broader significance of the achievement, noting its inspirational value for the domestic circuit and future generations of cricketers, as he stated, "A historic moment for the team, coaches, and support staff. Journeys like these define the beauty of domestic cricket."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows domestic cricket closely, this is HUGE. Beating Karnataka, an 8-time champion, is no small feat. The consistency they showed all season, especially Auqib Nabi with the ball, is the mark of a true champion team. The Ranji Trophy needed this new winner!
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Vikram M
This news brings so much joy! For years, we only associated J&K with supplying the wood for our bats. Now, they are supplying the talent that wins our premier domestic trophy. A massive inspiration for every smaller cricketing association in India. Chak De J&K!
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Rohit P
Fantastic achievement, no doubt. But let's be honest, the "first innings lead" rule for the final feels a bit anti-climactic. A team works so hard to reach the final, and it can end in a draw? BCCI should think about a different format for the title decider.
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Priya S
So proud! This victory shows the power of sports to unite and inspire. Shubham Pundir, Qamran Iqbal, Auqib Nabi... remember these names. The next generation of Indian cricket stars might just be coming from the valleys of Kashmir. What a story! ❤️
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Michael C
Incredible resilience from the J&K team. To perform under that pressure in a final against a giant like Karnataka speaks volumes about their mental strength. Sachin is right, this journey defines the beauty of domestic cricket. Hope this gets the coverage it deserves.

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