Jammu and Kashmir claim first Ranji Trophy title

Jammu and Kashmir won their first Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season, beating Karnataka in the final on first-innings lead. The run included victories over Madhya Pradesh and Bengal—teams they had to outplay in a campaign that proved their depth.

For a non-traditional cricketing state to lift India's premier domestic trophy is rare. It's the result of years of quiet investment in infrastructure and coaching, decisions made when nobody was watching. Karnataka came into the final with strong group-stage form but couldn't match J&K's disciplined cricket when it mattered.

The win reshapes the conversation about who can compete at the highest level of domestic cricket. It's no longer just about which state has the richest academy or the longest history.