Prayers, plastic bats and pride: A village’s stake in J&K’s Ranji triumph

March 1, 2026

In Kathar village — the last hamlet in Jammu district’s Akhnoor — left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar’s mother, Rekha Devi, stands with her head bowed before an idol of Vaishno Devi. Outside, the beat of the dhol and laughter grow louder. On Saturday, the J&K team beat eight-time titlist Karnataka to win its maiden Ranji Trophy at the Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium in Rajnagar, Hubballi.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah poses with players during the felicitation ceremony after the team’s victory in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final cricket match against Karnataka, at KSCA Stadium, in Hubballi, Karnataka, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (PTI Photo)

Credit: Indianexpress

Key Highlights

The historic win has united not only leaders across the political divide but also the two regions of the UT.
The youngest of four children, Sunil Kumar took 29 wickets in eight matches.
With a four-wicket haul, he played a key role in J&K’s semi-final win over Bengal.
For Sunil Kumar’s family, the match was crucial.
Rekha, her husband Ram Lal Verma, a retired BSF constable, and their neighbours had been glued to the television since 9.30 am.

India

Sources

Prayers, plastic bats and pride: A village’s stake in J&K’s Ranji triumph

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Prayers, plastic bats and pride: A village’s stake in J&K’s Ranji triumph

Key Highlights

Sources

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