First-class: J&K snap 67-yr wait, win 1st Ranji title after batting K’taka out in one-sided final

On Saturday, as the clock ticked past 2.10pm, Jammu & Kashmir skipper Paras Dogra declared the innings.

- Mir Ehsan

The move sparked wild celebrations not just in Hubballi, where the Ranji Trophy final was played, but also across the Union territory.

Jammu & Kashmir were Ranji Trophy champions for the first time ever. They were no longer the underdogs or the team opponents racked up points against; they were champions. They comprehensively beat Karnataka in the final, winning on the basis of the first-innings lead.

The team had a humble start to the campaign, losing to Mumbai by 35 runs in Srinagar, but that defeat only seemed to strengthen their resolve. As they started winning match after match, more people rallied to their cause.

On Saturday, from Jammu to Srinagar, Baramulla to Poonch and Gulmarg to Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir found hope, succour and community in cricket.

The squad comprised four players from the Valley and 14 from Jammu. Each pushed against the grain, making light work of financial, logistical and geographical challenges.