The domestic cricket season has reached its peak in India. The historic KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground will play host to the David vs Goliath saga that has captured the imagination of the cricket fraternity: Karnataka versus Jammu and Kashmir in the finals of ranji trophy 2025-26.
It’s more than just a match; It is a clash of eras and regions. On one side stands Karnataka, a perennial powerhouse trying to reclaim its former glory. On the other hand, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the last Dalit, is making a historic first-time appearance at the summit. As dew settles on the Hubli track, all 22 players taking the field will feel the weight of history.
Contrasting journeys of Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka to the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final
Karnataka’s journey to the final has been a clinical display of depth and dominance. Under the leadership of Devdutt PadikkalThey have weathered a difficult season with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine. boosted by the return of experienced international stars as KL Rahul And Mayank Agarwal During the key stages, Karnataka topped their group and demolished their opponents in the knockout rounds with a balanced attack of pace and spin. Their campaign is defined by finding a hero in every session, no matter who it is. Karun Nair strengthen the middle order or Vidyath Kavarappa Removing bounce on unresponsive track.
In contrast, Jammu and Kashmir’s path to the 2025-26 final is the stuff of folklore. Long considered a team capable of pulling off upsets but lacking consistency, J&K have transformed into a relentless unit this season. Experienced leadership Paras DograHe displayed a never-say-die attitude and won important games even in challenging circumstances. Their journey was marked by a disciplined bowling effort that often defended modest scores, proving that their appearance in the final was no fluke but the result of systemic development and individual talent.
Also read: Explained: Why has Ranji Trophy final been shifted from Bengaluru to Hubli?
5 players to keep an eye on in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final
While team strategy will be paramount, these five individuals have the form and temperament to turn the tide of a Ranji Trophy final.
- Smaran Ravichandran (Karnataka)
If there’s a “breakout star” tag for this season, it’s this one Smaran Ravichandran. With an impressive average of 95.00 in 8 matches, Smaran has been the backbone of Karnataka’s batting. He has scored 950 runs, including 227 not out, which shows his ability to bat for long periods of time without losing concentration. In a lineup featuring superstars, Smaran has often been the player handling the innings. His strike rate of 62.58 shows that he knows when to accelerate, which makes him the biggest hurdle for Jammu and Kashmir’s bowlers.
- Paras Dogra (Jammu and Kashmir)
The Jammu and Kashmir captain is a living legend of the Ranji Trophy. Dogra recently registered his name in the history books by becoming the second batsman after the great batsman Wasim JafferTo cross the 10,000-run mark in the tournament. His experience is the biggest asset of Jammu and Kashmir. Dogara is not just a run-machine; He is the emotional and tactical anchor of the team. In a high-pressure final, his ability to handle Karnataka’s international-quality pace attack involved Prasidh Krishna And vijaykumar vaishyaThis will likely determine whether J&J can post a competitive total.
- Karun Nair (Karnataka)
Man for the big occasion, Karun NairRemains as deadly as ever. Having scored 699 runs at an average of 63.54 this season, Nair brings a sense of indispensability to the crease. His highest score of 233 this year is a reminder of his triple century pedigree. Nair’s game is based on excellent footwork and strong defense against spin. For J&K to win, they will have to find a way to get Nair out early, otherwise he will knock them out of the competition in two days.
- Auqib Nabi (Jammu and Kashmir)
If Jammu and Kashmir has to take 20 wickets in Hubli, Auqib Nabi Will be a hero. Nabi has been a revelation this season, taking 55 wickets in 9 matches at an incredible average of 12.72. His ability to swing the ball at pace both ways has shaken up the country’s best batting lineups. With two 5-wicket hauls and a best performance of 7/24, he is the primary threat to Karnataka’s top order. His battle against players like Mayank and Rahul will be the most awaited contest of the inaugural season.
- Shreyas Gopal (Karnataka)
In the latter half of a five-day match, the spinner usually decides the fate of the trophy. Shreyas Gopal Balancing his role as a wicket-taker and a stoppage bowler, he has been the trump card for Karnataka. With 46 wickets at an average of 19.30, Gopal has rediscovered the drift and turn that made him a household name. Furthermore, his lower-order batting utility cannot be ignored. In a tight final, his ability to break partnerships and contribute 40-50 runs with the tail end batsmen could be the slight difference between the two sides.
