Jammu and Kashmir cricket team created history on Saturday (February 28) by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after managing a huge first innings lead in the Final of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 against Karnataka, the eight-time Ranji Trophy champions. 

Jammu and Kashmir dominated Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final against Karnataka

In the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final, Jammu and Kashmir scored 584 runs in the first innings after winning the toss, while Karnataka were all out for 293 runs. Before declaring their second innings, which also ended the game, J&K scored 342/4. 

Earlier in the tournament, after finishing as the runners-up in the Elite Group D with 24 points in seven games, behind Mumbai (33 points), J&K beat Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs in the Quarter-final, and Bengal by six wickets in the Semi-final.

Watch: Emotional scenes as Jammu & Kashmir win maiden Ranji Trophy title

Check what Indian cricketers said about Jammu and Kashmir for their first Ranji Trophy success

𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐔 & 𝐊𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐌𝐈𝐑! 🏆

🎥 An outpouring of pure, unadulterated emotion as J&K conquer the summit to claim their first-ever #RanjiTrophy crown 🫡

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/G0ytZLEyNB@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/XRyia1coda

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 28, 2026

𝗪.𝗜.𝗡.𝗡.𝗘.𝗥.𝗦 🏆

Congratulations to Jammu & Kashmir on clinching the #RanjiTrophy 2025-26 title 👏@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/MK783wzvtZ

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 28, 2026

Historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket 🇮🇳

Maiden Ranji Trophy title built on belief, strong leadership from Paras Dogra and a remarkable season with the ball from Auqib Nabi. Big contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad and… pic.twitter.com/kA4AvufcaX

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 28, 2026

Heartiest congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy team on this historic triumph.
This remarkable achievement has filled the entire state with pride and joy. Your unwavering dedication, discipline, and perseverance have showcased the immense cricketing talent and… pic.twitter.com/bjBl52cuxL

— J&K Youth Congress (@IYCJammuKashmir) February 28, 2026

41 YEAR OLD PARAS DOGRA AFTER GRINDING FOR 8,885 DAYS HAS WON THE RANJI TROPHY.

- A historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir. ❤️pic.twitter.com/CDO0YW17pp

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)February 28, 2026

Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance.

While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from… https://t.co/hbRwF1S41O

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) February 28, 2026

Jammu & Kashmir, you beauty.
The story for the ages.
So so happy for what our boys have achieved.
Indian cricket is in a safe and happy place 😍😇

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 28, 2026

The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions’ kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir’s journey from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves, is beautiful.

Built on consistency, resilience, and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi’s impact with the ball…

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 28, 2026

Such a heartwarming result in the Ranji Trophy final. This is the moment Jammu & Kashmir must have dreamt of for so long. And to do it against the might of Karnataka is even more special.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 28, 2026

Unbelievable! History has been written today! Huge congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team for clinching their maiden #RanjiTrophy title after 67 long years!🏆 Dominating Karnataka with pure grit, heart and unbreakable spirit. Proud beyond words of #AuqibNabi’s fire,…

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) February 28, 2026

Heartiest congratulations to the entire Jammu & Kashmir cricket team on winning the Ranji Trophy! 🏆 What a historic and well-deserved achievement! You have shown that talent knows no boundaries. This is just the beginning the future is bright with fighters like you. Well done… pic.twitter.com/Uoah83wetU

— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 28, 2026

Congratulations to the team Jammu and Kashmir on winning your maiden Ranji Trophy title 🏆
You guys were amazing throughout the season and a well deserved team 👏👏
Hard luck to our boys. Hold your head high guys, we have played some excellent cricket throughout the season. Here…

— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) February 28, 2026

An Inspiring journey for anyone who loves red ball cricket.

Jammu and Kashmir have not only etched their name in history but have shown everyone what sheer grit, sweat, and hard work can truly achieve, many congratulations to the whole squad. #ranjitrophy2026 🥳 👏

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) February 28, 2026

Jammu & Kashmir crowned the Ranji Trophy champions for the first time ever. A monumental moment for the state and domestic cricket!! Well done team, truly well deserved👏

— DK (@DineshKarthik) February 28, 2026

Historic day for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Having led UP to its first Ranji Trophy title, I know what this moment means to the players and the state. More players from J&K will now believe that they too can do it. #RanjiTrophyFinal

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 28, 2026

Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir team for their first ever Ranji Trophy win! This historic triumph reflects remarkable grit, discipline and passion of the team. It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and it highlights the growing sporting passion and… pic.twitter.com/3fJO89Z5F8

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2026

Jammu & Kashmir won their first Ranji Trophy championship in the 2025-26 Final by lifting the trophy at the D.R. Bendre Cricket Stadium and they triumphed over eight-time champions Karnataka in a classic contest. The victory marked the end of a 67-year wait and stands as the biggest achievement in the region’s domestic cricket journey.

Under the leadership of Paras Dogra, J&K piled up a massive 584 in the first innings, with Shubham Pundir scoring a crucial 121. Their bowlers then ensured complete control of the match. Auqib Nabi delivered a decisive five-wicket haul in the final and finished the season as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 60 wickets. Along with him, Qamran Iqbal, Abdul Samad, and Shubham Pundir played important roles in this historic season. J&K sealed the title through a dominant 291-run first-innings lead.  

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin congratulated the team and praised the importance of the Ranji Trophy in shaping international cricketers. He wrote, "It has paved the way for cricketers like Jaydev, Harsh Dubey (India A), Rajat Patidar, Karun Nair, and Axar Patel to play for India in whites. In time J&k would also be seeing representations from this championship-winning side." His message underlined how domestic success often leads to national recognition.

He further added, "Saurashtra, Vidharba, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and now J & K have won the Ranji Trophy over the last decade. These teams have found a way to prepare well with a unified goal in mind as a team.. This serves as a reminder once again for cricketers from the rest of the country that if they stand together and play united with a Ranji trophy title as a goal, they or at least their teammates, can go on to play for the country." He did not mention Karnataka & Mumbai because they have always been hunting the title down consistently. 

List of Ranji Trophy winners in the last decade

1. Vidarbha (2017–19, 2024–25)

Vidarbha have established themselves as a modern powerhouse with three titles in the last decade. In 2024–25, they defeated Kerala in the final based on a 37-run first-innings lead. Earlier, they beat Saurashtra by 78 runs in 2018–19 and secured their maiden title in 2017–18 by defeating Delhi by 9 wickets.

Their recent success was powered by Harsh Dubey, who set a season record with 69 wickets in 2024–25, and Yash Rathod, who scored 960 runs. The 2018–19 triumph saw Wasim Jaffer scoring over 1,000 runs, while Aditya Sarwate’s 11-wicket haul in the final remains one of the most memorable performances in Ranji history.

See Also: Lowest totals for India in T20 World Cups

2. Mumbai (2015–16, 2023–24)

Mumbai, the most decorated team in tournament history with 42 titles, added two more crowns in this decade. In 2023–24, they defeated Vidarbha by 169 runs in the final at Wankhede Stadium. In 2015–16, they crushed Saurashtra by an innings and 21 runs to reclaim the trophy.

Shreyas Iyer had a massive 1,321-run season in 2015–16. For the 2023-24 season, the team was led by Ajinkya Rahane, while Musheer Khan was the star player with a crucial hundred in the final. Shardul Thakur’s brilliance with bat and ball added more strength to the team.

3. Saurashtra (2019–20, 2022–23)

Saurashtra lifted their maiden title in 2019–20 by taking a 44-run first-innings lead over Bengal in the final. They proved their dominance again in 2022–23 by defeating Bengal by 9 wickets at Eden Gardens. These wins established them as one of the strongest sides of the decade.

Captain Jaydev Unadkat was the leading bowler with 67 wickets in the 2019–20 season. Arpit Vasavada played consistently under pressure and Sheldon Jackson was a major contributor with the bat. Their well-rounded side was instrumental in both title runs.

4. Madhya Pradesh (2021–22)

Madhya Pradesh captured their first Ranji Trophy in 2021–22 by defeating Mumbai by 6 wickets in the final. Under coach Chandrakant Pandit, the team built a massive first-innings lead that laid the foundation for victory. It was a landmark achievement for the state.

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Yash Dubey, Shubham Sharma, and Rajat Patidar scored centuries in the final to overpower Mumbai’s total. Patidar hit the winning runs to seal the historic triumph. The season elevated several players into national recognition.

5. Gujarat (2016–17)

Gujarat made history in 2016–17 by winning their maiden title after a thrilling final against Mumbai. They chased a record 312 runs on the final day to win by 5 wickets. The victory remains one of the most dramatic moments in Ranji history.

Captain Parthiv Patel was ahead of his game as he scored a brilliant 143 in the final hunt. Season high run-scorer Priyank Panchal ended with 1,310 runs and Jasprit Bumrah signaled his potential early on. Together they combined to produce a fabulous championship-winning effort. 

6. COVID-19 Interruption (2020–21)

The 2020–21 Ranji Trophy season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the only time in the tournament’s long history that the competition did not take place. The event returned in the following season, continuing its rich legacy.

Jammu and Kashmir created history by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy, as they lifted the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 after securing the first innings lead against eight-time Ranji Trophy champions Karnataka in the Final. 

After winning the title, Jammu and Kashmir players were in full celebration, as the team created new history.

Watch: Jammu and Kashmir's winning moment in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final success

𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐔 & 𝐊𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐌𝐈𝐑! 🏆

🎥 An outpouring of pure, unadulterated emotion as J&K conquer the summit to claim their first-ever #RanjiTrophy crown 🫡

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/G0ytZLEyNB@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/XRyia1coda

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 28, 2026

It was a completely emotional scene for the team, while the Jammu and Kashmir players were dancing on the field, as cricket fans can see in the following video. 

They’ve done it. Well done J&K. #ranjitrophy2026 #RanjiTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/COVBOl5j6J

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 28, 2026

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final: Karnataka vs Jammu and Kashmir

While KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubli hosted the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final, the Jammu and Kashmir team chose to bat first after winning the toss. In the first innings, while the no.3 batter Shubham Pundir (121) scored a century, five more among the top seven batters scored half-centuries, including four of 70 or more runs, J&K scored 584 runs.

In reply, Karnataka were bowled out for 293 runs, where the opener Mayank Agarwal fought hard with a knock of 160 runs. J&K's star pacer Auqib Nabi, who won the Player of the Tournament award for 60 wickets and 245 runs, claimed a fifer (5/54) in that innings, as they set up their historic title success from the end of that innings. 

J&K chose to bat and declared after scoring 342/4, as the game ended from that moment. Opener Qamran Iqbal scored 160 not out, while Sahil Lotra scored 101 not out. 

The story of Auqib Nabi who emerged from the Jammu and Kashmir valleys to achieve national fame stands as an inspiring example of Indian domestic cricket. The right-arm pacer developed his bowling skills through determination because he lacked access to proper training facilities and faced multiple challenges. He gained recognition as a swing bowler who performs well in challenging situations.

Current Ranji Trophy season brought about a fundamental transformation

Nabi became the key player for Jammu & Kashmir during their historic tournament run by delivering multiple match-winning bowling performances. His ability to strike early and perform reverse bowling in critical moments helped his team reach their first Ranji Trophy final which made him a national sensation.

The excitement reached new heights when the Board of Control for Cricket in India shared their touching mini film "Auqib, Arc and the Art of Swing" with the public. The video showed his progression from Sheeri village in Baramulla to domestic stardom while demonstrating the sacrifices and discipline and resilience he needed to achieve success. Many fans perceived the tribute as an introduction to the upcoming India call-up.

Watch the video:

𝗔𝘂𝗾𝗶𝗯, 𝗔𝗿𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 💥

The Auqib Nabi story 📝

Coming 🔜#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/IhcjmxSmBB

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 22, 2026

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And the numbers only strengthen that belief

Nabi achieved 55 wickets during the current season with an exceptional average of 12.72 which included his six five-wicket hauls. His first-class record now shows 151 wickets at an average of 18.62 which represents exceptional achievement according to all standards. The three elements of performance abilities and character have developed together throughout this time.

Jammu & Kashmir now prepare for the grand finale against the Karnataka cricket team, with history within touching distance. The season reached its peak with a championship victory because Nabi established new standards for success which he achieved through his performance.

Nabi will make his India debut in either this year or next year because his current status has moved from potential to actual success at the highest level.

KL Rahul played a classy knock for Karnataka in the 1st semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Three early blows put Karnataka in an uncanny state against Uttarakhand. Experienced batters like Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal, and Shreyas Gopal force the team to mull over the contest by departing cheaply.

Opener Kruthik Krishna played a much-needed anchor role to provide much-needed stability in their batting. Later, thanks to Smaran Ravichandran and KL Rahul, Karnataka took off for a comfortable flight. While Ravichandran departed for a fabulous 127-run knock, KL Rahul remained unbeaten for 86 off 103.

He came to bat at number 6, when the ball turned rough and spinners were thriving in the yard. For Team India, the right-handed batter often went to bat as a top-order batter in the recent past, though he proved his batting antics from various positions. For Karnataka, in the second innings when Smaran Ravichandran was looking for a proven partner, Rahul stepped in and delivered in style.

A timely, classic knock by KL Rahul

The 86-run knock was decorated with five 4s and five 6s. The run-wheel of KL Rahul is the proof of how he used the crease to drive the ball in every possible corner of the ground. Apart from taking the aerial route over the keeper's head, Rahul did everything, using his legs and weight accompanied by a cool, composed mind. Mayank Mishra and Suchith J, each of the Uttarakhand bowlers, conceded 19 runs against the batter.

BCCI, from their 'BCCI Domestic' social media page, shared a compilation of some of the best shots played by Rahul in the innings. In the second innings, Karnataka registered 323 to go with the first innings' 736. Uttarakhand needs 827 runs to win the contest, as they got only 233 in their first innings. 

Another classy knock 👌

Watch KL Rahul's stroke-filled 8⃣6⃣*(103) in the 2⃣nd innings against Uttarakhand 👏👏@IDFCFIRSTBank | #RanjiTrophy | @klrahul pic.twitter.com/FmyRPG4NNQ

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 19, 2026

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India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in Mumbai’s squad for the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 quarter-final, marking his return to red-ball cricket after missing most of the season due to illness. Jaiswal was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in late 2025 which resulted in his hospitalization after he played a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match.

The illness prevented Jaiswal from playing Ranji Trophy matches with Mumbai yet he performed exceptionally well during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy despite having limited playing time. The left-hander scored at an impressive average of 48.33 across three innings, highlighted by a blistering 50-ball 101 against Haryana, underlining his match-winning ability in the shortest format.

Jaiswal played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2025–26 after recovering from his illness, where he achieved an average of 21.33. The selectors chose different top-order players for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad because his white-ball games were insufficient to meet selection requirements.

Mumbai recall Jaiswal for Karnataka clash as Thakur makes comeback

Mumbai's senior selection committee has selected Jaiswal for the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Karnataka, which will take place on February 6 according to Indian Express journalist Devendra Pandey. The match will also see the return of Shardul Thakur, who missed the early part of the season due to injury and will lead the Mumbai side.

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The Mumbai team has important players who include Tushar Deshpande, Tanush Kotian, Musheer Khan and Ajinkya Rahane. The quarter-final match will not include Sarfaraz Khan because he suffered a hamstring injury during the group stage.

Jaiswal has had an unsteady selection schedule throughout the year but his performances in 2025 have shown him to be very successful. He scored 745 Test runs at an average of 39.2, averaged 57 in ODIs, and struck 704 IPL runs at a strike rate of 161.5.

Jaiswal uses the Indian Test team as his main platform but he must compete against established opening pairs in ODIs and T20Is which makes his Ranji Trophy return essential for advancing his case.

Devdutt Padikkal produced one of the finest knocks of the season to steer Karnataka into the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 with a thrilling five-wicket win over Punjab at the IS Bindra Cricket Stadium, Mohali.

Karnataka faced an early challenge during their final day chase of 250 when KL Rahul got out. The captain of the team Devdutt Padikkal took command of the match by scoring 120 runs without getting out from 85 deliveries. His innings which included six fours and five massive sixes made Karnataka win the match.

Padikkal formed a fast 113-run partnership with Mayank Agarwal which they completed in 72 deliveries to give their team an early advantage in the match. Punjab made a brief comeback after Emanjot Singh Chahal dismissed Agarwal who scored 53 runs because Aneesh KV and Smaran Ravichandran got out quickly which left Karnataka at 134 for 4.

Padikkal’s consistency lifts Karnataka into knockouts

Padikkal received crucial backing from Shreyas Gopal and Vidyadhar Patil who helped Karnataka achieve victory after 27.5 overs. The victory ensured Karnataka finished second in Elite Group B with 27 points, behind table-toppers Madhya Pradesh, and sealed their spot in the knockout stage.

Karnataka Win 👏

They qualify for the quarters & the celebrations say it all 👌

Captain Devdutt Padikkal finishes it off in style and remains unbeaten on 120*(85)💥

What a brilliant performance & what a fantastic chase 🔥

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/yY9bAnzUIX@IDFCFIRSTBank… pic.twitter.com/QxyI9eLQ06

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 1, 2026

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Padikkal maintains his outstanding performance across all cricketing formats. The left-hander has now scored 3,328 runs in 51 First-Class matches at an average of 41.08, including eight centuries. Since 2024, he has played two Test matches for the Indian national team. Karnataka will now face Mumbai in the fourth quarterfinal, starting February 6.

Ranji Trophy 2025–26 Quarterfinal Fixtures

The victory momentum which Karnataka currently possesses will become their advantage during the knockout match which they hope Padikkal will maintain his successful performance.

Out-of-favour India batter Sarfaraz Khan once again underlined his red-ball credentials with a commanding double century for Mumbai against Hyderabad in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025–26. The prolific right-hander produced a fluent knock at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, firmly swinging the Elite Group C contest in Mumbai’s favour.

Batting on Day 2 of the match, Sarfaraz brought up his double hundred off just 206 deliveries, showcasing a perfect blend of control and aggression. He was eventually dismissed for a magnificent 227 off 219 balls, striking 19 fours and nine sixes at an impressive strike rate of 103.65. One of the standout features of his innings was his fearless approach against Hyderabad skipper Mohammed Siraj, from whom he plundered 45 runs off just 39 balls.

Sarfaraz Khan’s all-format dominance keeps India recall hopes alive

Mumbai had been in early trouble after slipping to 82 for 3, but Sarfaraz steadied the innings with a crucial 249-run partnership for the fourth wicket alongside stand-in captain Siddhesh Lad, who contributed a solid 104. The marathon stand powered Mumbai past the 500-run mark and put them in complete control of the contest. In the process, Sarfaraz also crossed the milestone of 5,000 first-class runs, further cementing his reputation as one of India’s most consistent domestic performers.

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Watch the video:

🚨 200 For Sarfaraz Khan in Ranji trophy against Hyderabad

Runs - 200
Balls - 206
4/6 - 19/6

SMAT - 100*(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22)
VHT - 55(49), 157(75), 62(20)

He smashed 100+ scores in all 3 tournaments

CSK got this beast in Just 75 lakhs 🔥 👊pic.twitter.com/7FUmxg3smz

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) January 23, 2026

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a prolific season across formats. Earlier, he lit up the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a record-breaking 15-ball half-century against Punjab, the fastest by an Indian male batter in List A cricket. He finished the tournament as Mumbai’s leading run-scorer, amassing 303 runs at a staggering strike rate of 190.56. Sarfaraz also impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 329 runs in seven matches at an average of 65.80.

Despite last featuring for India in a Test against New Zealand in November 2024, Sarfaraz continues to make a strong case for a national recall. His rich domestic form, coupled with a recent IPL 2026 contract with Chennai Super Kings, suggests the Mumbai batter remains very much in the selectors’ conversation.

The Ranji Trophy resumed after a near two-month hiatus, with Round 6 of the Elite Group stage getting underway on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Indian ODI team members returned to domestic cricket, but the players faced difficulties because the venues had spin-friendly conditions.

The day featured highly publicized events, which included Shubman Gill's disappointing performance during Punjab's Elite Group B match against Saurashtra. Gill made his return to the Ranji Trophy after his last appearance in January 2020 when he faced the left-arm spinner Parth Bhut at Niranjan Shah Stadium (Ground C) and he got out without scoring after two balls. Bhut produced outstanding results by taking five wickets while conceding 33 runs on a pitch that turned sharply.

Gill batted at an unfamiliar No.5 position while Punjab's middle order showed difficulties handling the ongoing spin attack. The day proved challenging for batsmen because 23 wickets fell during the opening day. Punjab reached a total of 139 all out after Prabhsimran Singh Anmolpreet Singh and Uday Saharan provided temporary resistance. Saurashtra's bowlers maintained tight control while Ravindra Jadeja and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja backed Bhut through their strong performance.

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Watch the video:

🚨 Shubman Gill was once again got robbed by the umpire. He was clearly not out, as there was clear bat before pad, but the umpire still gave him out & there was no DRS available. The same thing happen in his last Ranji match where he was given lbw out when he was batting on 102. pic.twitter.com/LrwDEBvuYi

— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) January 22, 2026

Saurashtra take firm control on spin-friendly pitch as Punjab look to bounce back on Day 2

Saurashtra chose to bat first and scored 172 runs, with Jay Gohil's composed 82 serving as the match's most impressive performance. The best bowler for Punjab was Harpreet Brar, who took six wickets while allowing 38 runs. Saurashtra ended the day with a second innings score of 24 for 3, which gave them a 57-run overall advantage.

The match included a celebratory element because the Saurashtra Cricket Association honored Arpit Vasavada for his 100th first-class match together with Cheteshwar Pujara Jaydev Unadkat and Ravindra Jadeja. For Gill, the day will come to focus on hitting back at Day 2, if Punjab scored in his comeback to Ranji Trophy cricket trying with real efforts to retrieve the game in return.

Several regular members of the Indian cricket team will take part in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, which begins this week. These players are not part of India’s T20 World Cup plans and have chosen to focus on domestic cricket until IPL 2026. Key names include Test captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Rishabh Pant, however, is likely to miss this phase of the tournament after suffering an injury before the IND vs NZ ODI series.

KL Rahul will return to domestic red-ball cricket for Karnataka in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season. The right-handed batter will play Karnataka’s Group D match against Punjab, starting January 29 in Mullanpur.

As per a Times of India report, Rahul will not feature in Karnataka’s January 22 match against Madhya Pradesh in Alur but is expected to join the squad for the Punjab game. This move follows the BCCI’s push for senior players without international commitments to play domestic cricket.

The Punjab vs Karnataka match is drawing attention as Shubman Gill is also expected to play for Punjab. Gill has already joined the Punjab squad for their January 22 match against Saurashtra in Rajkot, which will also include all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Gill earlier decided to spend more time in red-ball cricket after being left out of India’s T20 World Cup plans.

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Punjab’s Qualification Challenge

Punjab face a tough task in the Ranji Trophy. They need to win both of their remaining group matches to stay in the race for the knockout stage. Matches against strong teams like Saurashtra and Karnataka make their path difficult.

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Updates on Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jadeja and Pant

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will continue to represent Andhra in their remaining group matches against Vidarbha and Nagaland. Andhra are placed second in Group A and have a strong chance of qualifying. Reddy is in good form after scoring a half-century in the recent ODI series against New Zealand and is seen as a backup option for Hardik Pandya in limited-overs cricket.

Ravindra Jadeja is set to return to action for Saurashtra in their January 22 match against Punjab. He last played in the ODI series against New Zealand, where he did not make much impact. His red-ball career remains safe, but he needs match practice ahead of the next Test series against Sri Lanka. In the 2025 Test season, Jadeja scored 764 runs and took 25 wickets in 10 matches.

India Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant is unlikely to feature in the Ranji Trophy. He was not named in Delhi’s squad for the match against Chhattisgarh and is expected to continue his recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.