The Indian cricket fraternity, including Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, is all praise for Jammu and Kashmir after they created history by winning their first Ranji Trophy title in spectacular fashion in Hubli on Saturday (February 28).
Jammu and Kashmir crushes Karnataka’s hopes of winning its first Ranji Trophy title
Jammu and Kashmir cricket team faced eight-time champion Karnataka cricket team at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli, but they never allowed Karnataka to make a comeback in the match. They scored a mammoth score of 584 runs in the first innings and then took a huge lead of 291 runs by restricting Karnataka to 293 runs in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final in Hubli.
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That huge lead made all the difference. In the second innings, they added 342/4 and increased the total to 633 runs on the final day. Karnataka could not take a single wicket on the fifth day. There was no chance of winning, the match ended in a draw, but due to huge lead in the first innings, the title went to Jammu and Kashmir.
Qamran Iqbal, Paras Dogra and Auqib Nabi shined in the title win
Opener Qamran Iqbal played a brilliant inning of 160* runs. Sahil Lottra scored his maiden first-class century and remained unbeaten on 101. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi was excellent, taking an impressive five wickets and finishing the tournament with 60 wickets.
Captain Paras Dogra achieved a major feat by crossing 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs. Yawer Hasan, Abdul Samad and Kanhaiya Wadhawan also contributed important half-centuries.
It is noteworthy that Jammu and Kashmir played Ranji Trophy for the first time 67 years ago. They had reached the quarter-finals in the 2013-14, 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons, but this time they managed to lift the trophy.
Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal saluted Jammu and Kashmir
After their historic win, India legends Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh praised the Jammu and Kashmir team for their fearless and united performance.
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Tendulkar posted,
Kashmir Willow has been a part of many Champions kits. It is beautiful to see Jammu and Kashmir’s journey from enabling champions to becoming champions themselves.
Built on consistency, flexibility and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi’s impact with the ball…
– Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 28 February 2026
Harbhajan Singh, on the other hand, posted, “The will to win – that’s all that matters. What a day for J&K. Well done. Absolutely outstanding. Winning the Ranji Trophy is not easy at all. They have played brilliant cricket all season and have played like a unit. Big congratulations, many more trophies to come. It’s great to see cricket growing in the J&K region. @BCCIdomestic #RanjiTrophy #Champions #J&k”
The will to win, that’s what matters. What day is it for Jammu and Kashmir
Well done, just winning the excellent Ranji Trophy is not easy at all. They played brilliant cricket throughout the season and played as a unit. Many congratulations and many more trophies to come. It was great to see…-Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 28 February 2026
Yuzvendra Chahal also penned an emotional post for the new Ranji Trophy champion. Chahal wrote on Twitter: “An inspiring journey for anyone who loves red ball cricket. Jammu and Kashmir have not only etched their name in history but have also shown everyone what grit, sweat and hard work can really achieve. A huge congratulations to the entire team. #RanjiTrophy2026 “
An inspiring journey for anyone who loves red ball cricket.
J&K has not only etched its name in history but has also shown everyone what grit, sweat and hard work can really achieve, a big congratulations to the entire team. #RanjiTrophy2026
– Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) 28 February 2026
Hearty congratulations to Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team on this historic win.
This remarkable achievement has filled the entire state with pride and joy. Your unwavering dedication, discipline and perseverance have demonstrated immense cricketing talent and… pic.twitter.com/bjBl52cuxL– Jammu and Kashmir Youth Congress (@IYCJammuKashmir) 28 February 2026
My heart is full. Many congratulations to Jammu and Kashmir Cricket on winning its first Ranji Trophy. There are many more trophies to come. pic.twitter.com/kfsoBGOVfS
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 28 February 2026
Congratulations on the first Ranji Trophy, Jammu and Kashmir #RanjiTrophyFinal https://t.co/ZKUoBEf0Mk
– Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) 28 February 2026
Many congratulations to Jammu and Kashmir on winning their first Ranji Trophy title. A special moment for everyone who believes in the team, the state and the journey.
– Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) 28 February 2026
Hearty congratulations to the entire Jammu and Kashmir cricket team on winning the Ranji Trophy! What a historic and well-deserved accomplishment! You have shown that talent has no limits. This is just the beginning, the future is bright with fighters like you. Very good… pic.twitter.com/Uoah83wetU
– Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 28 February 2026
Hearty congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for winning their first Ranji Trophy in Hubli today…this is an excellent example of how the game of cricket has spread across India despite challenging conditions. The tireless efforts of BCCI and its former secretaries and current ICC… pic.twitter.com/Xt1plbLDVQ
– Devjit Lon Saikia (@lonsaikia) 28 February 2026
Congratulations to Jammu and Kashmir on your first Ranji Trophy title, a historic moment! To my Karnataka team members, you displayed something special throughout the season but lost to a determined team in the final. Congratulations to Auqib Nabi for a great season…
– Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 28 February 2026