For decades the famous Kashmir willow has been a companion of several legendary cricketers, leading them to great heights at international level. On Saturday, the land of Kashmir willows added a new feather in their cap by winning the prestigious Ranji Trophy, for the first time in their 67-year history, beating a star-studded Karnataka in the final.
Legendary Sachin Tendulkar celebrated Jammu and Kashmir’s historic victory along similar lines, calling their journey “beautiful”. “The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions’ kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir’s journey from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves, is beautiful,” Tendulkar wrote on X.
“A historic moment for the team, coaches, and support staff. Journeys like these define the beauty of domestic cricket,” added the Master Blaster.
Playing their first-ever Ranji final, Jammu and Kashmir were crowned champions by virtue of their massive 291-run first-innings lead, a gap that proved insurmountable for the eight-time champions – Karnataka, led by Devdutt Padikkal.
One of the major pillars of Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy win was Auqib Nabi Dar. The right-arm pacer, who was picked up Delhi Capitals for an astonishing ₹8.40 crore during the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction last year, finished with 60 wickets in 10 matches including seven five-wicket hauls. Auqib Nabi was unplayable especially in the knockouts, taking five-wicket hauls in the quarterfinal, semifinal and in the final.
Tendulkar didn’t miss to mention Auqib Nabi. “The season was built on consistency, resilience, and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi’s impact with the ball stood out in a demanding campaign,” added Tendulkar.
