Srinagar, October 26, 2025- In a commanding display of seam bowling on a lively pitch at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Jammu & Kashmir’s bowlers dismantled Rajasthan for a paltry 152 all out on the opening day of their Elite Group D encounter in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26. The hosts, electing to bowl first after winning the toss, responded assertively in their first innings, closing at 66/2 at stumps—trailing by 86 runs but firmly in control of the narrative in this crucial Group D clash.The morning session belonged unequivocally to J&K’s pace battery, who exploited the overcast conditions and seam-friendly surface to devastating effect. Left-arm seamer Sunil Kumar led the charge with a fiery spell, claiming 4/32 to earn the early spoils and rattle Rajasthan’s top order. Auqib Nabi Dar provided stellar support, snaring 3/29 with his probing lines, while Yudhvir Singh Charak (2/48) and left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq(1/11) chipped in to wrap up the innings before tea. Rajasthan’s openers folded cheaply, with Yudhvir Singhdismissing Sumit Godara for just 6 in the first over, setting a tone of dominance that the visitors couldn’t escape.Rajasthan’s middle order offered fleeting resistance, but the lack of partnerships—compounded by J&K’s relentless pressure—saw them capitulate inside 50 overs. Skipper Deepak Hooda, fresh off a century in the previous round against Chhattisgarh, managed a gritty 42, but it was insufficient against the hosts’ disciplined attack.
This low total marks a stark contrast to Rajasthan’s nine-wicket romp over Chhattisgarh in Round 1, where their bowlers, led by Manav Suthar, had orchestrated a collapse.Post-tea, J&K’s batsmen approached the chase with caution on the same seaming track. Openers Abhinav Puriand Suryansh Raina added 28 before Puri fell for 15, edging Aniket Choudhary to the slips. Shubham Khajuria (28*) and Paras Dogra (12*) steadied the innings with a watchful 38-run stand for the third wicket, ensuring no further alarms as stumps were drawn. Deepak Chahar struck once for Rajasthan, but their bowlers struggled to extract the same movement that had aided J&K earlier.
J&K coming off a narrow 35-run defeat to Mumbai in their opener—where Yudhvir’s five-for had nearly turned the tide—will aim to build a substantial lead on Day 2. Captain Parvez Rasool praised the bowlers’ execution post-match, noting, “Our pacers hit the right areas from ball one, and the pitch assisted us perfectly. Now, it’s about converting this start with the bat.” Rajasthan, meanwhile, will rue their batting frailty and look to their seamers to strike early tomorrow.With both sides vying for momentum in a competitive Group D—also featuring heavyweights like Mumbai, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh—this Srinagar showdown promises more twists.
