Iqbal and Lotra centuries help J&K bat Karnataka out for historic maiden Ranji Trophy title

Centuries from Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra capped a dominant performance as Jammu & Kashmir clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title, batting Karnataka out of the final in front of a packed and festive KSCA Stadium in Hubballi.

The residential neighbourhood of Rajnagar woke to heightened security, with police patrols lining the route from the Jammu & Kashmir team hotel to the ground. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah arrived late on Friday night with senior officials to witness what many sensed was an inevitable coronation.

By the start of day five, the final of the Ranji Trophy had become a formality. Having batted through day four with authority, J&K resumed intent on erasing any lingering doubts. They did so without losing a wicket, occupying the crease for nearly two sessions before the captains shook hands at 2:11pm, sealing a historic triumph.

Qamran Iqbal raised his second first-class century, while Sahil Lotra brought up his maiden hundred in memorable fashion — celebrating with a push-up and a thigh-five reminiscent of Shikhar Dhawan. The pair batted with freedom and assurance, their unbroken stand embodying J&K’s dominance throughout the match.

As the final moments approached, anticipation built among the 7,000 spectators inside the stadium — taking the five-day attendance close to 20,000. When the handshake came, the J&K players sprinted to the middle, forming a jubilant circle before breaking into celebration amid drums, dhols and fireworks.

Gracious in defeat, Karnataka cricket team players waited before offering handshakes. J&K’s squad unfurled their flag, some in tears, others overcome by the magnitude of the achievement. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who claimed a record 60 wickets during a remarkable season, was hoisted onto shoulders and urged to acknowledge the crowd.

The loudest cheer before victory was confirmed came when KL Rahul was handed the ball early on the final morning. It was his first spell in first-class cricket in over a decade, and he nearly marked it with a wicket, inducing an edge off Iqbal that slipped through the hands of Mayank Agarwal at slip. Agarwal could only laugh and gesture apologetically towards his teammate.

When Rahul was removed from the attack by captain Devdutt Padikkal, sections of the crowd voiced their displeasure, urging his return. The atmosphere, however, remained celebratory rather than tense. Relaxed lunch breaks, permitted drums and a carnival-like mood underscored the sense that history was unfolding.

Hubballi, hosting perhaps the biggest match in its history, witnessed a commanding display from J&K, who had dominated the contest from start to finish. By the time the final handshake was exchanged, the outcome felt both inevitable and surreal.

For Jammu & Kashmir, it was a breakthrough moment years in the making — a first Ranji Trophy crown earned emphatically, and a new chapter written in Indian domestic cricket.