Ranji Trophy Final: 5 players to watch out for in Karnataka vs Jammu and Kashmir showdown

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The domestic cricket season in India has reached its crescendo. The historic KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground will play host to a David vs. Goliath narrative that has captured the imagination of the cricketing fraternity: Karnataka versus Jammu and Kashmir in the final of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.

This is more than just a match; it is a collision of eras and regions. On one side stands Karnataka, a perennial powerhouse seeking to reclaim its former glory. On the other, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the ultimate underdog, making a historic maiden appearance in the summit clash. As the dew settles on the Hubli track, the weight of history will be felt by all 22 players taking the field.

Karnataka’s journey to the final has been a clinical display of depth and dominance. Under the leadership of Devdutt Padikkal, they have navigated a gruelling season with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine. Bolstered by the return of seasoned international stars like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal during key phases, Karnataka topped their group and dismantled opponents in the knockout rounds with a balanced attack of pace and spin. Their campaign has been defined by finding a hero in every session, whether it was Karun Nair anchoring the middle order or Vidhwath Kaverappa extracting bounce on unresponsive tracks.

Conversely, Jammu and Kashmir’s path to the 2025-26 final is the stuff of folklore. Long considered a side capable of upsets but lacking consistency, J&K transformed into a relentless unit this season. Led by the veteran Paras Dogra, they exhibited a never-say-die attitude, winning crucial away games in challenging conditions. Their journey was marked by a disciplined bowling effort that often-defended modest totals, proving that their presence in the final is no fluke but a result of systemic growth and individual brilliance.

Also READ: Explained: Why Ranji Trophy final has been shifted from Bengaluru to Hubballi?

While the team tactics will be paramount, these five individuals possess the form and temperament to turn the tides of the Ranji Trophy final.

If there is a “breakout star” tag for this season, it belongs to Smaran Ravichandran. With a staggering average of 95.00 across 8 matches, Smaran has been the backbone of Karnataka’s batting. He has amassed 950 runs, including an unbeaten 227 that showcased his ability to bat long periods without losing concentration. In a lineup featuring superstars, Smaran has often been the one holding the innings together. His strike rate of 62.58 suggests he knows exactly when to accelerate, making him the biggest hurdle for the J&K bowlers.

The captain of J&K is a living legend of the Ranji Trophy. Dogra recently etched his name in the history books by becoming only the second batter, after the great Wasim Jaffer, to cross the 10,000-run mark in the tournament. His experience is J&K’s greatest asset. Dogra isn’t just a run-machine; he is the emotional and tactical anchor of the team. In a high-pressure final, his ability to handle Karnataka’s international-quality pace attack, consisting of Prasidh Krishna and Vijaykumar Vyshak, will likely determine if J&K can post a competitive total.

The man for the big occasion, Karun Nair, remains as lethal as ever. Having scored 699 runs this season at an average of 63.54, Nair brings a sense of inevitability to the crease. His highest score of 233 this year serves as a reminder of his triple-century pedigree. Nair’s game is built on exquisite footwork against spin and a watertight defence. For J&K to win, they must find a way to dismiss Nair early, or he will simply bat them out of the contest over two days.

If J&K are to take 20 wickets in Hubli, Auqib Nabi will be the protagonist. Nabi has been a revelation this season, picking up 55 wickets in 9 matches at an incredible average of 12.72. His ability to move the ball both ways at a brisk pace has rattled the best batting lineups in the country. With two 5-wicket hauls and a best of 7/24, he is the primary threat to Karnataka’s top order. His battle against the likes of Mayank and Rahul will be the most anticipated contest of the opening session.

In the latter half of a five-day match, the spinner usually decides the fate of the trophy. Shreyas Gopal has been Karnataka’s trump card, balancing his role as a wicket-taker and a containing bowler. With 46 wickets at an average of 19.30, Gopal has rediscovered the drift and turn that made him a household name. Furthermore, his lower-order batting utility cannot be ignored. In a tight final, his ability to break partnerships and contribute 40-50 runs with the tail could be the marginal difference between the two sides.

Also READ: Meet Auqib Nabi: The Jammu & Kashmir speedster who drove his team to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy final