J-K's Historic Ranji Final Run: Skipper Dogra Hails Team's Hunger & Attitude

Jammu & Kashmir created history by defeating Bengal to reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final. Skipper Paras Dogra, who became only the second player to score 10,000 Ranji runs, hailed his team's never-say-die attitude and hunger to perform. Players expressed deep emotion, seeing the victory as payback for a heartbreaking one-run quarter-final loss last season. The team now sets its sights on winning the maiden title when they face Karnataka in the final starting February 24.

Key Points: Jammu & Kashmir Enter First Ranji Final, Dogra Hits 10,000 Runs

  • J-K enters first-ever Ranji Trophy final
  • Paras Dogra joins 10,000-run club
  • Team avenges last year's one-run quarter-final loss
  • Final against Karnataka starts Feb 24
  • Players credit collective hunger and game sense
3 min read

"They are hungry to play well": J-K skipper Paras Dogra on his teammates

J-K skipper Paras Dogra praises team's never-give-up attitude after historic semi-final win over Bengal. Team eyes maiden Ranji Trophy title vs Karnataka.

"They are hungry to play well. - Paras Dogra"

New Delhi, February 19

After Jammu and Kashmir registered their historic victory over Bengal in the semi-final to enter their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, J-K's skipper Paras Dogra hailed the combined efforts of his teammates on achieving this feat.

"The boys didn't let us go at all. Their shoulders were never down. They had a 26-run lead, but the players were not upset. They knew we could come back in the game at any time. So, to win or to become successful, I think, it's very important to have an attitude of not giving up," said the veteran batter in a video posted by BCCI Domestic on Instagram.

The 41-year-old Dogra joined an elite list during the match by becoming only the second player, after Wasim Jaffer, to score 10,000 runs in Ranji Trophy history.

J-K defeated Bengal by six wickets to enter the final, where they will clash with Karnataka for the title clash at the KSCA Hubballi Cricket Stadium, commencing on February 24.

"This team is special because there are 14-15 good players in this team. And they have a game sense. I believe they are hungry to play well. So when a group gets together like this, where there are 14-15 players who want to win and perform, I think everyone has a good skill level," said Dogra.

Seamer Yudhvir Singh Charak, who picked up three wickets in the match, said, "I can't tell you, because we've been waiting for this for 4-5 years. And today, we've finally achieved this. I mean, I can't tell you how emotional I am about this."

Pacer Sunil Kumar, who took seven wickets for Jammu and Kashmir in the historic win, also shared the same emotions and said, "Right now, we're not able to sink in the feeling of what we've achieved. I think it will take a couple of days to settle down about what we've achieved.

Abdul Samad, who has been an important part of this Jammu and Kashmir squad for the past few years, shared how everyone felt after losing the quarter-final match by just one run.

"It takes a lot to reach the finals. We've been working for many years. Last year, we were left with just one run in the quarter-finals. So everyone was sad about that last year. Everyone was desperate about how we lost that match. We only had one run in the quarter-finals. So I think we're getting our payback this year. The season is going well. And hopefully, it will be good in the finals too," said Samad.

Speaking on the mindset of players in the team, Samad said it's about winning. "At this time, everyone's mindset is nothing but winning. There's nothing but winning. So, when we went to them for the first inning lead, all the boys were confident that it's still 2.5 days to go," said Samad," said Samad.

Now, Jammu and Kashmir will eye their maiden Ranji Trophy title when they take on Karnataka on February 24 in Hubballi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who follows domestic cricket closely, this is massive. Beating Bengal, a powerhouse, in the semi-final is no small feat. The hunger Dogra talks about is visible. Hope they can go all the way and create a fairytale ending in Hubballi.
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Vikram M
This victory sends such a positive message. For a region that has faced so many challenges, sports can be a great unifier. The entire team's emotion is so raw and genuine. Yudhvir and Sunil Kumar were brilliant. Let's get behind them for the final!
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Rohit P
Fantastic achievement, no doubt. But a small note of caution: the final against Karnataka will be their toughest test. They have a rich history and a strong team. J&K must keep their nerves. The attitude is right, now they need to execute perfectly for one more match.
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Priya S
So proud! This is for every young boy and girl in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh... dreaming with a bat and ball. Paras Dogra is an inspiration. At 41, scoring 10,000 runs and leading his team to a maiden final! Age is just a number. 💪
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Michael C
The mental strength they've shown is commendable. Coming back from a first-innings deficit and from the pain of last year's quarter-final requires a special mindset. Abdul Samad's point about "getting our payback" shows how much this means to them. Great story for cricket.

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