Jammu and Kashmir finished their group stage of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 at the second position with three victories and one defeat off seven encounter at a net run rate of +0.734. Their wins came against Rajasthan, Delhi, and Hyderabad, while their only defeat was against Mumbai in the very first game of the event by 35 runs. 

Heading into the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground for the final against Karnataka, who posted a massive score of 736 in their semifinal clash against Uttarakhand at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Bajpayee Stadiu, J&K were down with a few injured players. But that was when their number three batter, Shubham Pundir, played a sensational knock of over 100 runs.

See Also: When will India-W play Pakistan-W in Women's T20 World Cup 2026?

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir got the better of Madhya Pradesh in the quarter final at the Holkar Stadium in Indore by innings and 56 runs, while they blew away Bengal in the semifinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani by six wickets, having bundled out the home side for just 99 runs in their second innings.

Shubham Pundir celebrates 100 in KAR vs J&K Ranji Trophy 2025/26 final

Pundir came into the middle during the 11^th over of the innings when the tourists lost their opener, Qamran Iqbal, for six runs, who got an outside edge into the hands of KL Rahul at slips off the bowling of Prasidh Krishna, who later went on to break the second-wicket stand between Pundir and Yawer Hassan.

Watch the video here: 

What a way to bring up a 𝙃𝙐𝙉𝘿𝙍𝙀𝘿 on the grandest stage 💯

🎥 A ton of pure class from J&K batter Shubham Pundir! ✨

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/G0ytZLEyNB#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/JOKdpZXu0Z

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 24, 2026

Hassan returned to the pavilion for 88 runs in 150 balls at a strike rate of 58.67, thanks to 13 boundaries. It wasn’t a great news that their captain, Paras Dogra, left the field after being stuck on his hand by a vicious bouncer in the third session.

Pundir made his journey from 94 to the three-figure mark with a massive six as the ball crossed the rope. J&K had already crossed the 250-run mark losing two wickets, which provides them a great chance to get at least 500 runs in the first innings and gain the massive first-innings lead.

Brief Scores: J&K 262/2 (Shubham Pundir 111*, Yawer Hassan 88, Prasidh Krishna 2/36) vs Karnataka. 

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final is set to be played between the eight-time champions Karnataka and the first-time finalists Jammu & Kashmir. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's home venue, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, won't host the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final, which has been scheduled to begin from February 24, as the Final venue has been shifted.  

KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground in Hubli will host Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final

Instead of the popular M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground in Hubli will host the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir. The BCCI Domestic verified X page has confirmed the Final venue by posting the following page. 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 🏆

It all comes down to this 🔥

Karnataka 🆚 J & K

Who are you backing to reign supreme? 🤔@IDFCFIRSTBank | #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/NW2jIedcXp

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 19, 2026

Why will M. Chinnaswamy Stadium not host Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final?

According to the recent ESPNcricinfo report, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had the option to host the upcoming Ranji Trophy Final either in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru) or KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground (Hubli). As the IPL venue in Bengaluru is still works in progress at several spectator gates and access points, the KSCA can't ensure to provide a high-quality match-viewing experience along with spectator convenience for a big game, like the Ranji Trophy Final. So, the KSCA has chosen Hubli for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final. 

A KSCA spokesperson said ESPNcricinfo, "Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works. In view of these ongoing developments, it would not have been feasible to ensure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience a marquee fixture such as a Ranji final deserves."

Watch: Jammu & Kashmir players' celebration after reaching historic Final of Ranji Trophy 2025-26

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Finalists

Jammu & Kashmir have reached the Final after dramatically beating Bengal in the Semi-final. After replying 302 all out against Bengal's first innings total of 328 all out, J&K bundled out their opponents for only 99 runs, while chasing the fourth innings target of 126 runs after losing four wickets to win the match by six wickets. 

Meanwhile, Karnataka performed dominantly in the Semi-final against Uttarakhand. After scoring 736 runs in the first innings, they bundled out Uttarakhand for only 233 runs. Karnataka already almost confirmed their place for the Final with a 503-run first innings lead. Later, Karnataka scored 323 all out, while their opponents scored 260/6 against the fourth innings target of 827 runs. After the drawn match, Karnataka have advanced to the Final, thanks to their mammoth first innings lead. 

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, saw something extraordinary during the Karnataka vs Uttarakhand clash in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 semi-final 1. One of the best teams in the tournament, Karnataka registered 736 runs in the first innings of the knockout match, thanks to a double century by Devdutt Padikkal, and centuries by KL Rahul and Smaran Ravichandran. 

But what followed in the second innings was magical. Smaran went on to score another century, taking Karnataka's lead to 802 runs at stumps. So far, they have scored 299 runs at the loss of six wickets. The 22-year-old cricketer, who showcased outstanding batting prowess, helped his team take a massive lead in the knockout game. This is one of the main reasons why Karnataka are considered one of the greatest teams in the Ranji Trophy history. 

They have players who contribute in every game, but when it comes to important games, responsibilities increase, and so does the hard work. In the first innings, Smaran scored 135 off 216 runs, hitting 12 boundaries. He did some textbook batting, which was definitely a treat to the eyes. In the second innings, he played a bit faster, scoring 127 off 149 balls, including 12 boundaries and three sixes. 

He stitched a stand of 168 runs with KL Rahul (70*) for the fifth wicket. Smaran has emerged as one of the best batters in the side, and thanks to his knock, Karnataka are most likely to secure a place in the finals and will face Jammu and Kashmir. The Ranji season is coming to an end, but a lot of players have showcased their talent and will be remembered for their knocks. 

Devdutt Padikkal slams double century against Uttarakhand

Karnataka's captain, Devdutt Padikkal, has been in incredible form, scoring centuries throughout the tournament. In the semi-final 1, he scored a double century, giving a huge boost to the team's score. Padikkal, 25, scored 232 runs in 330 balls, including 29 boundaries and three sixes.

His performances throughout the tournament have been impressive, and he is one of the main reasons behind Karnataka reaching the knockouts. Along with him, KL Rahul also scored a century in the first innings and is unbeaten on 70 runs in the second. With a mammoth lead, Karnataka are undoubtedly qualifying for the finals. 

Jammu & Kashmir created history by reaching the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final after beating Bengal in the stunning Semi-final, as they reached their first-ever Ranji Trophy Final. 

Jammu & Kashmir brought special celebration

After reaching the Final of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, the Jammu & Kashmir dressing room was shining with celebrations. Each player came with their personal celebration style, while the entire dressing room enjoyed it. 

The BCCI Domestic social media page has shared the dressing room celebration video of Jammu & Kashmir after their historic achievement.

𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉&𝐊 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐎𝐟𝐟! 🕺

A BTS of the J&K dressing room as they groove to the rhythm of reaching the finals! 🤩

PS: Wait for the last one 😉#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/oD1MPbq4hx

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 18, 2026

How did Jammu & Kashmir turn the tables against Bengal in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Semi-final

Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani hosted the second Semi-final between Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir, where J&K chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Sudip Kumar Gharami, who scored 299 runs in their quarterfinal match, scored a fighting knock of 146 runs, as Bengal scored 328 all out.

In reply, Jammu & Kashmir were bowled out for 302 runs, as Mohammed Shami bagged eight wickets (8/90), while Bengal got an important lead of 26 runs.

However, Bengal's batting was brutally collapsed for only 99 runs, as J&K pacers totally dominated. J&K had a 126-run target in the fourth innings, which they successfully chased after losing four wickets.

Jammu and Kashmir's stellar performance in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 led to their defeating two-time defending champions Bengal by 6 wickets in the second semi-final, bringing them to their First Ranji Trophy final. 

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 2nd semi-final was played between Jammu & Kashmir and Bengal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani on Wednesday. Jammu & Kashmir won the match thanks to an all-round performance from Auqib Nabi. He scored 42 runs and took 9 wickets. He was awarded Player of the Match. Jammu & Kashmir will now face Karnataka in the final. Karnataka is expected to win the 1st semi-final against Uttarakhand.

See Also: Jammu and Kashmir beat Bengal by six wickets to reach their maiden Ranji Trophy 2026 final

As soon as the Jammu team secured its place in the final, the players in the dugout ran onto the field, hugging each other and congratulating each other. A video of this celebration is going viral on social media.

Watch Video:

RAW EMOTIONS 🥹❤️

JAMMU & KASHMIR INTO THE RANJI TROPHY FINAL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY..!!!! pic.twitter.com/9nkVKfNa4G

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2026

Clinical bowling and alm shase seal maiden final berth for Jammu & Kashmir

In this match, Bengal batted first and posted 328 runs on the board. Sudip Gharami scored 146 runs for Bengal in the first innings. In reply, Jammu & Kashmir scored 302 runs in the second innings thanks to Skipper Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad's half-century.In the third Innings, Auqib Nabi Dar and Sunil Kumar's lethal bowling bowled out Bengal to a modest total of 99 runs. Both took four wickets each. Jammu and Kashmir got a target of 126 runs in the 4th innings. Chasing the target, Jammu & Kashmir also had a poor start, losing both openers at 12 runs. However, Vanshaj Sharma's unbeaten 43 and Abdul Samad's 30-off-27 balls propelled Jammu and Kashmir to their first Ranji Trophy final.

Auqib Nabi has been a consistent performer for Jammu & Kashmir throughout the  tournament. He played a crucial role against MP in the quarter-final. Now, Jammu and Kashmir will most likely lock horns with Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy Final, which is scheduled to be played on 24 February 2026.

Jammu and Kashmir cricket team created history by reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final. They defeated the former champions Bengal cricket team, by six wickets in the 2026 semifinal on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 126 runs on the fourth day, they won the match comfortably. Abdul Samad and young player Vanshaj Sharma finished the game calmly, while pacer Auqib Nabi took nine wickets in the match and played a key role in the victory.

The Paras Dogra-led side will now face the winner of the second semifinal between the Karnataka cricket team and the Uttarakhand cricket team. The final will begin on Tuesday, February 24. It is a big moment for the team and their fans.

The side first played in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959-60 season and was not seen as a strong team for many years. In the 2013-14 season, they reached the knockout stage for the first time in more than ten years, and now they have reached their first final.

Also read -Bangladesh seeks to strengthen cricket ties with India after the T20 World Cup 2026 exit

Calm Finish Seals Historic Final Spot

The team started the day at 43 for 2 and faced some early pressure. But the batters stayed patient and played smart cricket. Abdul Samad scored 30 not out from 27 balls, while Vanshaj Sharma made a steady 43 not out. They added 55 runs together and guided the side to victory without any late trouble.

There were tense moments after Shubham Pundir got out and captain Paras Dogra was caught behind. However, Bengal could not keep the pressure for long. In a special moment, Samad allowed young Vanshaj to finish the chase. The 22-year-old hit a six over long-on to complete the win and spark celebrations.

𝙎𝘾𝙀𝙉𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙋𝙐𝙍𝙀 𝙅𝙐𝘽𝙄𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 🤩

J&K create history as they defeat Bengal by 7️⃣ wickets to book their ticket to the #RanjiTrophy Final for the very first time 🫡

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/QXyCuRHJ6e@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/VBKPD9I9mX

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 18, 2026

From Struggles to a Dream Run

For many years, the side had little success in the Ranji Trophy. They had played more than 300 matches before this season, and knockout appearances were rare. This time, under captain Paras Dogra and coach Ajay Sharma, the team showed great improvement after an early loss to Mumbai. Wins against Rajasthan, Delhi, and Hyderabad helped them reach the knockouts.

Bengal, despite having big names like Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep, were bowled out for 99 in the second innings. Auqib Nabi once again led the charge with nine wickets in the match, taking his season tally to 55. His strong bowling and useful runs with the bat played a key role in this memorable journey to the final.

Brief Scores:

• Bengal: 328 and 99
• Jammu and Kashmir: 303 and 126/4
• Result: Jammu and Kashmir won by 6 wickets

Mohammed Shami once again reminded the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors of his class with a superb eight-wicket haul in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025–26. He delivered a strong performance in the semi-final as Bengal took on Jammu and Kashmir at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, starting February 15.

Shami’s impressive form has been growing steadily. Last month, he picked up a five-wicket haul against Services, finishing with figures of 5/51 in the second innings. His consistent performances have strengthened his case for higher honours.

Overall, the 35-year-old has taken 38 wickets in seven matches this season, including three five-wicket hauls. He has clearly been one of the standout bowlers in this Ranji Trophy campaign.

Watch the video here:

An 8️⃣-wicket masterpiece 🫡

Watch 🎥

Mohd. Shami wreaks havoc with his career-best First Class figures of 8/90 🔥

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/QXyCuRIgVM#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/f4F3TYnSWi

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 17, 2026

Shami’s Eight-Wicket Spell Puts Bengal in Control

During Jammu and Kashmir’s first innings, Mohammed Shami delivered a brilliant bowling spell. He led Bengal’s attack and took eight wickets in 22.1 overs. He gave away 90 runs at an economy rate of 4.06. This was his best bowling performance in first-class cricket for Bengal. After his spell, the whole Bengal team gave him a standing ovation.

WHOLE BENGAL TEAM GIVING A STANDING OVATION FOR SHAMI 🥶

22.1-3-90-8 IN SEMI FINAL...!!!!! pic.twitter.com/xqc4eW2GxL

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 17, 2026

It has been almost three years since the 35-year-old played a Test match for India. His last red-ball match for India was against Australia in the World Test Championship 2023 Final at The Oval. There were doubts about his fitness in recent times, but Shami showed that he is fully fit and in great form. In 96 first-class matches, he has taken 368 wickets. In Tests, he has taken 229 wickets in 64 matches.

Bengal Continue to Dominate

In the first innings, Shami dismissed Shubham Khajuria, Yawer Hassan Khan, Abdul Samad, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, Abid Mushtaq, Vanshaj Sharma, Auqib Nabi, and Yudhvir Singh. Jammu and Kashmir were bowled out for 302. In reply, Sudip Kumar Gharami scored a superb 146 to take Bengal to 328. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran added 49 runs. Bengal started their second innings with a 26-run lead.

Shami also performed well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he took 15 wickets in seven matches. However, he was not selected for the recent ODI series against New Zealand and did not play in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Mohammed Siraj replaced Harshit Rana in the squad. Shami also lost his BCCI central contract. His last match for India was in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Since then, he has been working hard in domestic cricket to make a comeback.

(Scorecard updated at the time of writing.)

The excitement of the T20 World Cup 2026 is sweeping across India, but in the meantime, the final phase of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 is being played. Currently, the semifinal matches are underway, with the first match taking place between Karnataka and Uttarakhand in Lucknow. In the match, Karnataka strengthened their position by scoring over 600 runs in the first innings. The credit for this goes to captain Devdutt Padikkal, who played a double century on the second day of the match, scoring 232 runs off 330 balls.

Devdutt Padikkal had performed brilliantly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (India's premier List A cricket tournament) and carried that good form into the second phase of the Ranji Trophy. Padikkal played an unbeaten 120-run innings against Punjab but couldn't make much impact against Mumbai. However, he has now strengthened his team's position by scoring his first double century in his first-class career in the semifinals. Padikkal scored a century on the first day and returned unbeaten at 148 runs. On the second day, he played flawlessly and scored a double century.

See Also: Watch: Indian influencer mocks Pakistan fans with Babar-Rizwan training video in IND vs PAK Clash in Colombo

Devdutt Padikkal, who was appointed as Karnataka's captain in place of Mayank Agarwal, had a very good batting performance on the first day. Padikkal first completed his half-century in 65 balls. However, he then did not rush and comfortably progressed towards a century. He scored a three-figure score in 144 balls. After that, on the second day, he reached 150 in 245 balls and then succeeded in completing a double century in 288 balls.

Devdutt Padikkal's brilliant double century in the Ranji Trophy semi-final

Karnataka's captain hit 29 fours and three sixes in his innings. The way Devdutt Padikkal was playing, it seemed like he might score his first triple century, but then he got out. His wicket was taken by Uttarakhand's Lakshaya Rai Chande. However, Padikkal's innings helped the team reach a big score.

Watch the video of Devdutt Padikkal's double century:

DEVDUTT PADDIKAL IS HERE TO STAY 😍

- DOUBLE HUNDRED IN RANJI TROPHY SEMI FINAL AS CAPTAIN....!!! pic.twitter.com/HMq7gXM5Zx

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 16, 2026

Devdutt Padikkal has made a claim for a comeback to Team India with his first double century in a first-class career. Padikkal played his last Test in Perth during India's 2024-25 tour of Australia. After that, he was dropped from the team. Now it remains to be seen whether he will be selected for the Test against Afghanistan in June.

After their strong and dominant victory against Mumbai at the Ranji Trophy 2025/26quarter-finals, Karnataka qualified to the semifinal of the tournament and were up against Uttarakhand at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Vihari Vajpayee Ekhana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. They would hope to collect a victory in this clash and make their way into the final.

Karnataka didn’t make a good start with the bat as they lost their former captain and the right-handed opening batter, Mayank Agarwal, for five runs in 32 balls in the ninth over of the innings against the new ball as Aditya Rawat grabbed the very first wicket. As Devdutt Padikkal made his way into the middle, the need of the hour was to put in a big partnership.

See Also: Watch: England players spend time at Marine Drive without security despite Bangladesh's boycott in T20 WC 2026

And the left and right combination of Rahul and Padikkal put a massive partnership of 278 runs for the second wicket in 391 balls to shoulder Karnataka to a strong position. The former smashed a fine knock of 141 runs in 211 deliveries at a strike rate of 66.82, thanks to 11 boundaries and five sixes.

Devdutt Padikkal celebrates 50 in Ranji Trophy 2025/26 semifinal

Padikkal used his feet and went with the spin against J Sucith’s left-arm spin over the long-on region for a massive six over the rope to make his way into the three-figure mark. It was a great knock from the captain, who also smashed a fine century in their last group-stage clash against Punjab in Mohali.

Watch the video here: 

Getting to the milestone in style! 🚀

🎥 Watch the moment Devdutt Padikkal reached his century with a maximum over the ropes!

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/SztwjvwUiI@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/PuB4feBZYO

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 15, 2026

Padikkal, with his form, has put his hand up to be part of India’s Test team and bat at the number three when the blue brigade takes the field in their next Test match against Sri Lanka away from home. They have struggled to find solidity at that position in the red-ball format.

For Uttarakhand, Aditya Rawat has taken both the wickets of the openers. However, it was a shocking decision from their captain to bat first after winning the toss as the spinners won’t be part of the fourth innings in the defense.

Brief Scores: Karnataka 327/2 (KL Rahul 141, Devdutt Padikkal 136*, Aditya Rawat 2/72) vs Uttarakhand.

While the Indian cricket team is busy in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as they are ready to face arch-rivals Pakistan in the Group A fixture, another important Indian cricketer, KL Rahul, slammed an important century for Karnataka in the Semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, which was his second consecutive century in the knockouts of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.

KL Rahul scored back-to-back centuries in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 knockout stages

In their Quarterfinal match against Mumbai, while Karnataka claimed a four-wicket win after successfully chasing the 325-run target, opener KL Rahul played the match-winning knock of 131 runs in 182 balls. 

From Sunday (February 15), Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Semi-finals started, where Karnataka are facing Uttarakhand at Lucknow. After Uttarakhand chose to field first, Karanatak opener Mayank Agarwal was dismissed cheaply for five runs. However, then, the other opener KL Rahul and the no.3 batter and captain Devdutt Padikkal set a big partnership of 278 runs for the second wicket, as both the batters hit centuries. 

Rahul completed his 25th first-class cricket century in 153 balls. It was his back-to-back first-class innings century, and came in the crucial Ranji Trophy knockouts. Before losing his wicket, the right-handed opening batter scored 141 off 230 balls with 15 fours and two sixes. 

Back-to-back 💯s

🎥 Watch the moment KL Rahul brought up his 2️⃣5️⃣th First Class century!

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/SztwjvwUiI@IDFCFIRSTBank | @klrahul pic.twitter.com/QS963JMU0e

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 15, 2026

Watch: Devdutt Padikkal celebrates 100 with massive six in Karnataka vs Uttarakhand Ranji Trophy 2025/26 semifinal clash

Fans praising KL Rahul

Fans are really impressed with KL Rahul's strong batting performance in domestic cricket. 

KL Rahul is proving that class is permanent and his clinical back to back knockout hundreds are the perfect answer to everyone who doubted his clutch ability. ❤️

— Rao Amit 🇮🇳 (@RoyalRao47) February 15, 2026

KL Rahul in both the knockout matches have shown tremendous temperament and batting form.

— balwant singh (@bmishru) February 15, 2026

He is most underrated player in Indian history

— Sanky (@sankyfuture) February 15, 2026

KL Rahul is proving why he’s Karnataka’s clutch man 🥶—scoring a century in both the Quarter Final and Semi Final! 💯💯

— Bilal Islam🇦🇺 (@IslamBilal67615) February 15, 2026

bro really went back to back hundreds in the knockouts!! karnataka is literally riding on his shoulders rn

— SKH (@Skh9864) February 15, 2026

Back-to-back hundreds in knockouts.
That’s not luck. That’s temperament. 🏏

— Satvik (@Satvik889) February 15, 2026