J&K’s Ranji Trophy Journey: Breaking Stereotypes and Reaching New Heights

The Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy team, currently facing Kerala in the quarterfinals at Pune’s MCA Stadium, is rewriting cricketing narratives and defying long-held stereotypes. Traditionally, selections were dictated by unwritten rules—fast bowlers from Kashmir Valley and batsmen from Jammu. However, their stunning victory against Mumbai earlier in the tournament shattered these notions, with coach Ajay Sharma redefining the region’s cricketing identity.

Now, Kashmir boasts elegant batters, while Jammu has unearthed fierce pacers. Yawer Hassan Khan, a promising U-23 batter from Bijbehara, South Kashmir, stunned Mumbai’s fielders with his flawless stroke play. Meanwhile, Yudhvir Singh from Jammu dismantled Mumbai’s formidable batting lineup, claiming Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, and Yashasvi Jaiswal in an 11-wicket haul. Off-spinner Sahil Lotra, from Udhampur, played a crucial role against Baroda, picking up seven wickets in one innings.

A Transparent, Merit-Based Selection Process

Brigadier Anil Gupta, who leads the BCCI-appointed committee overseeing J&K cricket, credits Ajay Sharma for his sharp pitch reading, strategic selections, and unwavering faith in young talents. The selection process underwent a revolution, moving away from regional quotas and ensuring every district—from Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kulgam, and Anantnag—got representation.

This revamp wasn’t without resistance. Social media backlash followed early setbacks, but the administration remained steadfast, scouting fresh talent and introducing equal opportunities for women cricketers, ensuring they received the same facilities as their male counterparts.

Emerging Talent from Unconventional Regions

J&K’s resurgence is fueled by players from unexpected backgrounds—Abdul Samad (Kalakote), Auqib Nabi (Baramulla), and Abid Mushtaq(Bhaderwah). Auqib made an immediate impact, scoring a century as a nightwatchman against Punjab, proving his credentials beyond expectations.

J&K has reached the knockouts before (2001-02, 2013-14), but this time, they exude a newfound confidence. Their Pulwama pacer, Umar Nazir Mir, showcased this attitude when he dismissed Rohit Sharma without celebrating—a quiet but powerful statement of self-belief.

Strategic Leadership and Tactical Excellence

Much of this transformation stems from two stalwarts: Ajay Sharma and administrator Mithun Manhas. Recognizing the need for strong leadership, they closely monitored Paras Dogra, a 40-year-old veteran playing for Pondicherry. Observing his sharp cricketing acumen over two years, they brought him in to captain the side, fostering unity in a previously divided dressing room.

Skeptics dismissed their earlier win over Mumbai as a fluke, but the team proved otherwise, capitalizing on their rigorous preparation, adaptability to different conditions, and exposure to top-tier tournaments like Chennai’s Buchi Babu Trophy.

Infrastructure and Professionalism Take Center Stage

To enhance their game, J&K relayed their natural black soil pitches with red soil—similar to those found in South and West India. Seven turf wickets and center strips were developed in Katra, and players trained with Kookaburra and SG Test balls to mirror real-match conditions.

Their focus on fitness and fielding has also paid off. Shuttle sprint records were clocked at 4.09 seconds, and experienced professionals like P Krishna and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik raised the team’s athleticism. Even with the absence of star pacer Umran Malik, fresh talents like Yudhvir Singh have seamlessly stepped up.

Raising the Bar for Batting Standards

J&K’s young batters now aspire for big centuries, not just 30-40 run contributions—a shift inspired by an airport encounter. When L Balaji greeted Ajay Sharma as the “Father of Centuries”, murmurs spread through the team. Curious players dug into Sharma’s statistics, realizing his legendary domestic average of 68. That moment transformed their mindset—suddenly, mediocrity was no longer an option.

A New Era for J&K Cricket

With meticulous planning, uncompromising merit-based selection, and a fearless new generation of cricketers, J&K has stepped into the Ranji Trophy limelight. As they push for a historic semifinal spot, one thing is clear—J&K cricket is no longer an underdog story; it’s a revolution in progress.