Feb 24 will mark the start of perhaps the most important match for a section of players in Northernmost India.. Jammu & Kashmir have made their maiden Ranji Trophy final, and will be up against 8-time winners Karnataka, in Hubbali. Yes, it is known territory for the big boys of domestic cricket, but just imagine the nervousness entire J&K side would be feeling.
There is a certain 41-year-old skipper Paras Dogra, who has been around for a long, long time, but would lead the side in their toughest battle as yet. There is Abdul Samad, who is known for his swashbuckling, IPL-style batting, but has been one of their prolific run-scorers. Then, Auqib Nabi, who is on the cusp of a India callup.. and many other talented cricketers, who would just be hoping to play at their best, when the opportunity comes in the final.
After all, this is what they have done so far in the tournament. Except for the loss vs Mumbai in their very first encounter, they went on to beat MP, Bengal and others.
J&K’s bowling vs Karnataka’s batting
Bowlers, especially Nabi has been at the forefront of J&K’s historic season. He has 55 scalps to his name in 9 encounters at an average of 12 and a strike-rate of 28. He is just 5 away from becoming the highest wicket-taker in the year. Sunil Kumar has been excellent in his very first season, claiming 29. Abid Mushtaq has 20, while Yudhvir has 19.
But this lot needs to be utmost careful of the batting unit of Karnataka who have been in sublime form. R Smaran is scoring truckloads, and has 950 so far at an average of 95. Karun Nair comes in next with 699 in 6 games. Skipper Padikkal has scored in excess of 500 as well, posing a decent threat to the first-timers. Not to forget, there is KL Rahul too.
The real challenge; Karnataka’s show against Punjab, where they chased down 250 in 28 overs, would give some jitters to the team. So, all in all, it will be worthy of a final.
Pitch report
The pitch in Hubbali should be conducive for batting overall, where the team batting first could have an advantage. Chasing could be an issue on days 3, 4, and 5 but first innings of the match should set the tone for rest of the encounter. Karnataka do have an advantage of playing a game here earlier, where they beat Chandigarh by an innings and 185 runs.
Cricket
Ranji Trophy final: Can J&K emerge as India's best domestic team? Karnataka's batting stands in the way
