NewKerala.com

J-K on Brink of History: Omar Abdullah Confident of Maiden Ranji Trophy Win

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed confidence that his team will win their maiden Ranji Trophy title after they reached the final for the first time. He stated that the team's performance strengthens the case for some players to be selected for the Indian national team. J&K tightened their grip on the final, securing a massive 291-run first-innings lead and extending it to 477 by stumps on Day 4. With Qamran Iqbal unbeaten on 94, the team is poised to lift the trophy on Saturday.

Key Points: Omar Abdullah Confident J-K Will Win First Ranji Trophy Final

  • J-K's first Ranji Trophy final
  • Omar Abdullah expects victory
  • Players deserve India call-up
  • Lead Karnataka by 477 runs
  • Qamran Iqbal 94* at stumps
3 min read

We are expecting to win Ranji Trophy, big moment for us: J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expects a historic Ranji Trophy win, says players deserve national call-up as team leads Karnataka by 477 runs.

"We are expecting to win the trophy from here. - Omar Abdullah"

Hubballi, February 27

Calling Jammu and Kashmir's maiden entry into Ranji Trophy final a "very big moment", Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the team's performance has not only put them on the brink of history but also strengthened the case for some players to represent India at the highest level.

"It is a very big moment for us to reach the final because this is the first time J-K has reached the final of the Ranji Trophy. Many people said that they could not go beyond this stage. But the way they performed in the first innings, we are expecting to win the trophy from here," Abdullah said on the sidelines of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final here.

"I think it is time our players are invited or asked to play for the country. One or two of them definitely deserve to wear the Indian colours," he added.

Jammu and Kashmir have tightened their grip on the title decider against the Karnataka cricket team, ending Day 4 with a massive overall lead of 477 runs at the Hubli Cricket Ground in Karnataka.

Resuming Day 4 at 220/5 in reply to J&K's imposing first-innings total of 584, Karnataka rode on skipper Mayank Agarwal's determined knock. The right-hander added 30 runs to his overnight 130, eventually scoring a valiant 160 off 266 balls, studded with 21 boundaries. However, disciplined bowling from J-K kept chipping away at the other end.

Sahil Lotra broke a crucial 79-run partnership by dismissing Kruthik Krishna for 36, while Sunil Kumar removed Vidhyadhar Patil. The decisive blow came when Auquib Nabi Dar trapped Agarwal in front, shifting the momentum firmly in J-K's favour. Nabi also accounted for Shikhar Shetty, and with Yudhvir Singh Charak claiming the final wicket of Prasidh Krishna, Karnataka were bowled out for 293 in 93.3 overs, handing J-K a commanding 291-run first-innings lead.

In their second innings, J-K had early hiccups as Yawer Hassan and first-innings centurion Shubham Pundir fell cheaply. Captain Paras Dogra was cleaned up by Krishna after a brief stay. But Abdul Samad's 32-run contribution and a crucial 73-run stand with Qamran Iqbal steadied the innings.

At stumps on Day 4, Iqbal stood firm on 94 not out off 160 balls, with Sahil Lotra unbeaten on 16, as the visitors stretched their lead to 477 runs, leaving them within touching distance of a maiden title. Abdullah flew to Karnataka on Friday to be present at the stadium when Jammu and Kashmir lift their maiden Ranji Trophy title on Saturday.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, I've been following this match closely. The lead of 477 runs is massive. Karnataka will need a miracle. Hats off to players like Qamran Iqbal and Auquib Nabi. The CM is right, such consistent performances at the domestic level should be rewarded with national team consideration.
R
Rohit P
While I'm thrilled for J&K, the CM's statement about players deserving to wear Indian colours feels a bit premature, no? Let them win the trophy first and then prove themselves in more seasons. The step from Ranji to international cricket is huge. But yes, the performance is historic and deserves all the praise.
P
Priya S
What a moment for Jammu and Kashmir! This is more than just cricket. It's about unity, resilience, and showing the world what the youth from the region can achieve. So proud! Can't wait for tomorrow. Inshallah, the trophy will come home! ❤️
A
Aman W
Being from Karnataka, it's disappointing to see our team in this position, but you have to appreciate the quality of cricket J&K has played. A first-innings total of 584 says it all. They've outplayed us fair and square. Good luck to them for the final day.
N
Nikhil C
This is the beauty of the Ranji Trophy. It uncovers stories from every corner of India. J&K's journey to the final will inspire so many young kids in the valley to pick up a bat. The BCCI must ensure infrastructure and coaching there gets a boost after this success.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50