How The Match Was Won
The Rest of India (ROI) sealed the championship on the fourth day, bowling out Jammu and Kashmir for a mere 111 runs in their second innings. Chasing a challenging target of 279, the Ranji champions collapsed under the pressure of a relentless ROI pace
attack. The match had been a see-saw affair until the final day. ROI posted 237 in their first innings, thanks to half-centuries from Smaran Ravichandran (68) and Shikhar Mohan (60). In reply, J&K fought brilliantly to score 278, securing a crucial 41-run first-innings lead, with captain Paras Dogra (75) and Abdul Samad (57) leading the charge. However, ROI's second innings proved decisive. Smaran Ravichandran played a spectacular knock of 135 to power his team to 319, setting a target that ultimately proved too much for the hosts.
The Stars of the Final
While Rishabh Pant's aggressive captaincy was a constant theme, the final was defined by standout individual performances. Smaran Ravichandran was named Player of the Match for his crucial scores of 68 and a match-winning 135, single-handedly turning the momentum in ROI's favour. With the ball, the ROI pacers were devastating. Mukesh Choudhary set the tone with a five-wicket haul in the first innings (5/78). In the second innings, it was Mukesh Kumar who delivered the killer blow, tearing through the J&K batting order with incredible figures of 6/33 to end their hopes. Akash Deep also provided excellent support, taking six wickets across the match. For Jammu & Kashmir, captain Paras Dogra, Abdul Samad, and all-rounder Lone Nasir Muzaffar showed immense fight with the bat.
J&K's Historic Journey
Though they ended up on the losing side, this Irani Cup appearance was a historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. By winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season, they earned the right to host the prestigious final in Srinagar for the first time in decades. Their journey to the final and their performance in it captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country. They proved they were not just happy to be there; they came to compete. Taking a first-innings lead against a team comprising the best players from the rest of the country is a monumental achievement. Players like Abdul Samad, all-rounder Abid Mushtaq, and bowler Sunil Kumar have become household names, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from the region.
Pant's Leadership Test
For Rishabh Pant, this match was a significant test of his leadership. Handed the captaincy for the Rest of India side, he was tasked with marshalling a group of top domestic performers against the reigning Ranji champions. After being left out of the national white-ball squad, this was an opportunity for Pant to make a statement, and he did so with a trophy. His aggressive field placements and bowling changes were visible throughout the game. Despite not having a major personal score in the match, his guidance was crucial in steering a star-studded but ad-hoc team to a cohesive victory. The win adds another feather to his captaincy cap and keeps him firmly in the conversation for future leadership roles within the Indian cricket setup.
