Jammu and Kashmir’s cricketing upsurge continues as the Northern state team has taken a gigantic leap to qualify for the Ranji Trophy knockouts yet again.
After a scintillating performance against Hyderabad, they are currently sitting on top of the Group D points table after the end of the first phase. Jammu and Kashmir extended their fine form in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season with a resounding 281-run victory over Hyderabad at the Hostel Ground JKCA, Jammu. The commanding win consolidated J&K’s position at the second spot of Elite Group D, underscoring their growing strength in the domestic circuit under Paras Dogra’s leadership.
After being sent in to bat first, J&K had a shaky start, folding for 170 in their opening innings. Left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan (3/19) and Kartikeya (3/48) exploited the conditions superbly, but Abid Mushtaq’s brisk 57 off just 49 balls and Abdul Samad’s 34 ensured the home side reached a respectable total.
In response, Hyderabad’s batting faltered against a disciplined J&K attack, managing only 121. Fast bowler Sunil Kumar was the wrecker-in-chief with 5 for 29, while Auqib Nabi backed him up with 4 for 39 as the hosts claimed a valuable first-innings lead of 49.
It was in the second innings that Jammu and Kashmir stamped their dominance. Abdul Samad’s magnificent 125 and wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan’s fluent 95 powered the side to 422. Chasing 472 runs, Hyderabad’s chase never took off. Tanmay Agarwal (47) gave a bright start, but once Abid Mushtaq entered the attack, the visitors collapsed in familiar fashion. The left-arm spinner delivered a career-best performance, taking 7 for 68 to finish the job as Hyderabad were bundled out for 190.
And as they march on to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the J&K camp look in ominous touch. But what’s behind this massive success? As the sleeping giants of North have woken up in style, their team manager gives huge credit to the current administration.
The association has been in turmoil with financial discrepancies, but the new regime under Brigadier Anil Gupta, Majid Dar has turned things around. The current BCCI president Mithun Manhas has also been a key driving force in the resurrection of cricket in the province. Team manager Hilal Ahmad spoke to MyKhel after their resounding win, hailing the boys and the current administration behind their success.
“The biggest change for our boys has been the opportunity and infrastructure. We are getting the top equipment in our camp, players are going outside for competitive cricket. That has been a big boost.”
Ahmad, an integral part of this Kashmir side, also thanks the players for their mental grit. They started with a narrow defeat against Mumbai, but the likes of Auqib Nabi, Abid Mushtaq and others have turned things around for them. Across the last few matches, there have been performances from different players, epitomizing their quality as a bunch.
“Auqib and Sunil wrapped things up in the first innings. We batted superbly in the second and Abdul Samad was excellent. Then Abid was excellent with his spin,” Hilal says.
Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Results
vs Mumbai – Lost by 35 runs
vs Rajasthan – Won by an innings and 41 runs
vs Chhattisgarh – Drawn, Conceded first innings lead
vs Delhi – won by 7 wickets
vs Hyderabad – won by 281 runs
vs Puducherry – January 22-25, 2026
vs Himachal Pradesh – Jan 29 – Feb 1, 2026
Although they have an advantage in the race for knockouts, things are not yet done. As the second phase begins in January, Jammu and Kashmir will play two more important matches, and they need positive results to cement their place. For now, the next destination is Kolkata for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With the likes of Yudhvir Charak, Umran Malik returning for it, Jammu and Kashmir looks like a strong force.