Hubli, February 27: History is knocking at the doors of Jammu & Kashmir cricket. After a wait of 67 long years, Jammu & Kashmir stand just one day away from lifting their first-ever Ranji Trophy crown, riding on a sensational bowling spell by Auqib Nabi Dar and a composed batting masterclass by Qamran Iqbal.
At stumps on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy Final 2025-26, Jammu & Kashmir reached 186/4 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to a commanding 477 runs against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, Hubli. With one day left, the historic slogan echoes across the Valley — “It Is Coming Home.”
Pacer Auqib Nabi Dar delivered a match-defining performance, claiming 5/54, as Karnataka were bundled out for 293 in 93.3 overs, handing Jammu & Kashmir a massive 291-run first-innings lead.
In reply, J&K faced early setbacks when Prasidh Krishna uprooted Yawer Hasan’s stumps and Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed first-innings centurion Shubham Pundir cheaply. However, Qamran Iqbal absorbed the pressure with remarkable maturity, anchoring the innings with calm authority.
The 24-year-old stitched together a crucial partnership with skipper Paras Dogra, followed by another vital stand with Abdul Samad, steadily pushing Karnataka further out of contention.
Displaying composure beyond his years, Qamran Iqbal remained unbeaten on 94*, just six runs shy of a well-deserved century. His knock, studded with elegant strokeplay and intelligent shot selection, has placed Jammu & Kashmir firmly on the cusp of history.
He will resume batting on Day 5 alongside Sahil Lotra (16)*, with J&K aiming to stretch the lead beyond 500 runs, effectively sealing one of the most memorable victories in Indian domestic cricket.
67 Years of Dreams, One Step from Immortality
Since their Ranji Trophy debut in 1959, Jammu & Kashmir have endured decades of struggle, infrastructural limitations, climatic challenges, and limited exposure. The current campaign has symbolised resilience, belief, and a fearless brand of cricket, uniting millions across the region.
Now, 67 years later, Jammu & Kashmir are on the verge of being crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the first time in history, marking one of the greatest underdog triumphs in Indian sport.
Final Day: A Date with Destiny
With an overwhelming lead and momentum firmly on their side, Jammu & Kashmir require just one final push to script an extraordinary chapter in Indian cricket folklore.
This victory will stand as a landmark achievement, inspiring generations and reshaping the narrative of cricket in the Valley.
It truly is coming home.
