Hubballi, February 28, 2026 : An emotional Paras Dogra struggled for words after leading the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team to their maiden Ranji Trophy title, calling it the “biggest” moment of his life.
Jammu and Kashmir clinched the historic title on the basis of a first-innings lead after the final against the Karnataka cricket team ended in a draw.
“I can’t explain, to be honest. I have no words. At this time, it is the biggest thing in my life,” Dogra said after the triumph.
“This will be the biggest gratitude I will have in my life.”
Team Effort Behind Historic Glory
Dogra credited the entire squad and the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for the achievement.
“It’s not about the playing eleven. It’s about 14-15 guys. They have been tremendous. From the beginning, they were 100 per cent sure we were going to win this Ranji Trophy,” he said.
After taking a commanding 291-run first-innings lead, J&K tightened their grip on the final day with a dominant batting display led by Qamran Iqbal.
Iqbal’s Last-Minute Call Turns Into Match-Winning Masterclass
Drafted into the XI at the last minute after veteran opener Shubham Khajuria was ruled out due to injury, Iqbal rose to the occasion with a magnificent unbeaten 160 in the second innings.
The 24-year-old revealed he received the call-up at 3:00 AM while at home.
“I was a bit injured. I was at home when I got a call at 3:00 in the morning. I caught a flight in the evening and reached here at 8:00 in the morning. I was prepared,” he said.
After scoring just six in the first innings, Iqbal returned with a composed and assured knock under pressure, anchoring a match-winning 197-run unbeaten stand with Sahil Lotra, as J&K stretched their overall lead to 633 runs.
Praise for Bowlers and Coaching Staff
Iqbal also lauded pacer Auqib Nabi for his exceptional bowling performances and credited coach Ajay Sharma and senior players for maintaining a focused and positive dressing-room environment.
“He (Ajay Sharma) is so focused on the team. He takes everything very seriously. This is the result,” Iqbal said.
While celebrating the title, Iqbal acknowledged Karnataka’s challenge but emphasized the collective preparation and belief within the J&K camp.
A 67-Year Dream Realised
After decades of participation in India’s premier domestic tournament, Jammu and Kashmir have finally lifted the Ranji Trophy — a moment that has sparked emotional celebrations across the Union Territory.
For Dogra and his team, it was not just a victory — it was the culmination of belief, preparation and resilience.
