Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team's Rising Stars Prepare for Ranji Trophy Final
Jammu and Kashmir's Journey to the Ranji Trophy Final
The focus is on the emerging talents of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team as they prepare to take on the strong Karnataka team in the upcoming title match.
This article highlights the standout players who have contributed to this remarkable achievement. The squad, featuring determined openers, skilled pacers, and versatile all-rounders, showcases a mix of youthful energy and resilience that has propelled J&K to the Ranji Trophy finals for the first time.
Their journey has been marked by consistent performances, crucial breakthroughs, and pivotal partnerships, making the player profiles essential to understanding how this underdog team has evolved into serious contenders in India's premier domestic cricket tournament.
Key Players to Watch
Abid Mushtaq Mangnoo, Bowler: Hailing from Bhaderwah in Doda district, 29-year-old Abid is a left-arm spinner known for his ability to surprise opponents. His father supported his cricket aspirations until his passing last year, missing Abid's journey to the finals. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan recognized his talent, leading to Abid's selection for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2023. His brother, Khalid, emphasized the family's struggles and views the final as their 'World Cup.'
Abdul Samad, Batsman: At 24, Abdul, originally from Kalakote in Rajouri, is a top-order batsman and leg-spin bowler. He has played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants in 2025. His father, Mohammad Farooq, credits his son's passion for sports to his own interests.
Paras Dogra, Captain: The 41-year-old captain from Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, has a rich cricketing background, having started at 12. He has played for various IPL teams and faces the challenge of competing against younger players while maintaining his fitness.
Shubham Khajuria, Batsman: A 30-year-old who debuted in the Ranji Trophy at 16, Shubham faced a setback due to a shoulder injury but returned stronger, becoming a top run-scorer. His father, Pradeep, supported his cricket journey from a young age.
Kawalpreet Singh, All-Rounder: At 23, Kawalpreet is a right-arm bowler and lower-order batsman from Kathua. He faced challenges during the pandemic but remained committed to his cricketing dreams while pursuing his education.
Vanshaj Sharma, Bowler: The 22-year-old left-arm spinner made headlines by taking 10 wickets in his debut Ranji match. Discovered during a talent hunt, he has shown promise and contributed significantly to his team's success.
Yudhvir Singh Charak, Bowler: A 28-year-old right-arm medium pacer, Yudhvir made his first-class debut in 2019 and has played in the IPL for multiple teams, including the Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.
Kanhaiya Wadhwan, Wicketkeeper-Batsman: The 24-year-old has gained recognition for his skills behind the stumps and has been a valuable asset to the team since his debut in 2018.
Auqib Nabi Dar, Bowler: At 29, Auqib made headlines with an Rs 8.40-crore contract with Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 auction, marking a significant milestone for cricketers from the Valley. His journey has been filled with challenges, but his family's support has been unwavering.
Yawer Hassan Khan, Batsman: The 22-year-old from Bijbehara has made a name for himself in the Ranji team, supported by his family since childhood.
Umar Nazir, Bowler: A 31-year-old from Pulwama, Umar has been a consistent performer for J&K, taking 148 wickets in 63 first-class matches. He runs a cricket academy to inspire the next generation.