Jammu and Kashmir has made history by reaching the finals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time. This marks the beginning of a new era in Cricket for the region.
Under the leadership of Paras Dogra, the team achieved a significant milestone by reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 56 years after defeating Madhya Pradesh. As they celebrated this achievement, they shifted focus to their challenging semi-final match against Bengal in Kalyani.
During the semi-final, Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated their strength, overcoming a shaky start at 13/3 in their first innings after bowling Bengal out for 329. Captain Dogra and young player Abdul Samad formed a crucial 147-run partnership to stabilize the innings.
After a challenging spell from Mohammed Shami on Day 3, Auqib Nabi and Yudhvir Singh Charak rescued the team with a 64-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Jammu and Kashmir ended their innings at 302, giving Bengal a 26-run lead.
The bowling attack, featuring Nabi, Charak, and Sunil Kumar, then made quick work of Bengal’s batting lineup, dismissing them for just 99 runs.
In their chase of 126, Jammu and Kashmir faced early setbacks but crucial contributions from Vanshaj Sharma, Abdul Samad, and Shubham Pundir guided the team to their first-ever final.
Cricket in Jammu and Kashmir has faced challenges related to mismanagement and corruption in recent years. However, a strategic focus on nurturing talent has led to a positive change.
In 2021, Mithun Manhas, now the BCCI president, took on a leadership role in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) during a troubled period. Working with his team, he introduced transparency and vision to the board.
“It was challenging when I took over. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah supported me in bringing Jammu and Kashmir cricket back into the limelight,” Manhas said after the victory over Bengal.
One key to Jammu and Kashmir’s recent success has been their strategy of acclimatizing to playing conditions ahead of their matches.
“We have 10 center strips at both Harbux Stadium in Srinagar and the College ground in Jammu, which feature both red and black soil pitches,” Manhas explained. “Before defeating Mumbai last year, the team practiced in Mumbai for a week.”
Ajay Sharma, the head coach and a former teammate of Manhas, has played a significant role in building the team’s confidence. At 41, Dogra’s commitment on the field serves as inspiration for the younger players.
It’s also essential to acknowledge the impact of Irfan Pathan, who served as a player-mentor for the team in 2018. Pathan helped the players improve their skills while stressing the importance of discipline. He even took initiatives in rural areas to develop professionalism. Despite having other offers, he chose to support the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I’ve seen their passion firsthand. What they need is proper training and exposure,” Pathan said, reflecting on his experience in Jammu and Kashmir. He surely shares pride in their current achievements.
While Ajay Sharma emphasizes teamwork, the individual performances of Auqib Nabi and Abdul Samad have been standout. Nabi has been remarkable with 53 wickets in nine games at an average of 12.72, while Samad has scored 655 runs in 13 innings at an average of 59.54.
In the semi-final, Nabi earned the Player of the Match award with nine wickets and 42 runs. Both players are likely to be eyeing opportunities for International recognition, but their focus remains on the upcoming Ranji Trophy final starting February 24.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir will remember February 18 as a historic day, as their team stands one win away from achieving the pinnacle of domestic cricket in India.
