Lucknow: Some 66 years after making their debut in Ranji Trophy, Jammu and Kashmir stunned Bengal by six wickets on Wednesday to storm into their first-ever final — a landmark in the state's cricketing journey and a testament to how belief and hard work pay rich dividends in the long run.
Jammu and Kashmir are set to take on Karnataka — whose berth in the final is all but confirmed — for the title clash beginning on Tuesday. Karnataka, eight-time champions, are hosting the final, though the venue is yet to be finalised.
This season of Ranji has been a display board of underdogs standing up to established powers. Jammu and Kashmir's triumph in Kalyani endorsed that spirit. After narrowly conceding the first-innings lead to a star-studded Bengal side, they regrouped, absorbed pressure and returned to seal a memorable victory.
In Lucknow, Uttarakhand's dream run met a reality check. First-time semifinalists, they were overwhelmed by Karnataka, who carry an imposing 802-run lead into the final day at Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Thursday. Only formalities remain before Karnataka's place in the title clash is officially confirmed.
If J&K's campaign has been built on resilience and collective will, Karnataka's path has been powered by all-around authority. Youngster R Smaran has emerged as the breakout star, amassing 950 runs so far, including back-to-back centuries in the semifinal. Skipper Devdutt Padikkal has led from the front, blending flair with responsibility, while KL Rahul's presence — both as a senior batter and a calming influence — has added experience and runs. Bowlers, led by leggie Shreyas Gopal, have delivered in crunch situations.
The big clash now promises a compelling contrast. Karnataka, who last won the title in the 2014-15 season, bring pedigree and depth, while Jammu and Kashmir will arrive with momentum and hunger.
Manuja Veerappa, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, h...
Read MoreManuja Veerappa, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, has dedicated over half of her 22-year journalism career to the publication. Specializing in
cricket and hockey, she has covered major sporting events including World Cups, the Commonwealth Games, and world championships in billiards and snooker.
Known for her compelling human-interest stories, she has traveled extensively across Karnataka to spotlight untold talent and their journeys. An internationally
published sportswriter and former national-level hockey player for Karnataka, Manuja is a true-blue Bengalurean who also writes on the city’s culture and life, blending deep reporting with a passion for storytelling.
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