Karnataka versus Jammu and Kashmir: Fairytale story versus favourites, a clash for the ages
It took about 22 years for Jammu and Kashmir to register their maiden Ranji Trophy win, with J&K defeating Services by four wickets in the 1982–83 season.
A little more than four decades later, in the 2024–25 season, for a brief moment, one wondered whether it could be J&K’s annus mirabilis. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as they suffered heartbreak against Kerala, with the latter eking out a lead of just one run in the quarter-final to enter the semi-finals. The battle-hardened cricketers from J&K did not give up, though. The very next season, they have marched to the summit clash of the Ranji Trophy, where the Paras Dogra-led side will lock horns with Karnataka in Hubli today.
Around four months ago, there did not seem to be any fairytale story in store for J&K as they had just lost to Mumbai in a see-saw battle. Instead of wallowing in a defeatist attitude, they went on to finish second in their group. That was followed by victories over formidable sides like Madhya Pradesh and Bengal to secure a berth in the final. In the Bengal versus Jammu and Kashmir game, it seemed as if their fairytale journey would eventually come to an end. Bengal had gained a slender lead, but J&K’s pacers bowled with skill and gumption to find the right key to open the final door.
So, who has been the catalyst of J&K’s sterling performance? The simple answer would be Auqib Nabi. The pace-bowling all-rounder has taken 55 wickets at a stunning average of under 13. J&K’s strike bowler has produced one game-breaking spell after another with his swing-bowling prowess. He took 5 for 5 in a single spell against Rajasthan. In the quarter-final, he dismantled Madhya Pradesh by claiming 12 wickets. In the semi-final, he was at it again, ending up with eight scalps. Auqib has also made crucial contributions with the bat, illustrated by his efforts against Rajasthan and Bengal.
With Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh in the mix, they have the required support cast. On the batting front, Paras Dogra, the former Himachal Pradesh cricketer, has led from the front, averaging over 42. Abdul Samad, meanwhile, has produced impactful knocks.
Karnataka, though, will believe they have the arsenal to lift the title in front of their home crowd. On paper, Karnataka have the best batting unit in this Ranji Trophy, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair, R Smaran, alongside Shreyas Gopal. Those names are enough to give sleepless nights to any opposition. Rahul has reigned supreme this season with 457 runs at an average of almost 100, including a game-changing century against Mumbai.
Lest we forget that Padikkal, the Karnataka captain, also has 532 runs to his name. Even if J&K run through the top four, they will still have to chisel out a way past Smaran. The left-hander is currently at the top of the batting charts with 950 runs and four hundreds. Calm and composed, he seems to possess a sound temperament, as exemplified by how he steered Karnataka to a tense win over Mumbai.
Sometimes, Karnataka’s bowling attack goes under the radar. But Prasidh Krishna, the much-improved Vidhyadhar Patil, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Vidwath Kaverappa, Gopal and Shikhar Shetty make up a very balanced attack.
Since winning the title in 2014–15, Karnataka have lost in the semi-finals on numerous occasions. Logic suggests that this time around, the eight-time champions will emerge triumphant. But J&K have plenty of belief in their camp, and they will feel this is their chance to take the flight to fairytale land.
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