Not pushovers in Ranji Trophy final: J&K dominate Day 1 against Karnataka
India Today
Shubham Pundir led from the front with a commanding unbeaten 117 as Jammu & Kashmir dominated the proceedings on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy final in Hubballi against Karnataka.
Jammu & Kashmir 284 for 2 (Pundir 117*, Yawer 88, Samad 52*, Prasidh 2/36) vs Karnataka on Day 1 of Ranji Trophy final
It was a complete Jammu and Kashmir show on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, as they seized control with discipline and authority. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a superb unbeaten 117, while Yawer Hassan struck a tenacious 88 to lay the foundation for a commanding total. Abdul Samad then provided brisk support with an assured 52 not out, as J&K closed the day on 284 for two, firmly in the ascendancy.
Karnataka vs J&K, Ranji Trophy: Day 1 Highlights
Pundir, the 27-year-old left-handed batter, was 117 not out at stumps, with Samad unbeaten on 52. The duo had added 105 runs for the third wicket after skipper Paras Dogra retired hurt.
Earlier, Pundir and Yawer stitched together a 139-run stand to lay the foundation for a big total against the eight-time champions, whose batters boast an impressive record at this venue.
Pundir reached his hundred in style, smashing Shikhar Shetty for a six over deep midwicket. He celebrated by removing his helmet and raising his arms towards the dressing room.
Anil Kumble believes Kolkata Knight Riders weakened their own title-winning core by releasing Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt after their 2024 triumph. The former India captain criticised the franchise's inconsistent retention strategy.
Rohit Sharma believes India's recent success in ICC tournaments could be the start of a strong phase for the national teams. The India captain praised both men's and women's teams and hopes the winning run continues.
Suryakumar Yadav revealed how a phone call and a little faith helped Ishan Kishan stage a sensational comeback, earning him a spot in India's Men's T20 World Cup squad. Kishan capitalised on the opportunity, scoring 317 runs in nine matches.
Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav married his childhood friend, Vanshika Singh, on March 14 in a grand ceremony held in Mussoorie. The celebrations were even more special for Kuldeep, coming shortly after India's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph.
AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan says the federation replaced the Indian women's team's ill-fitting AFC Women's Asian Cup kits within seven hours, but the effort went unrecognised.
Pakistan national selector Aaqib Javed believes that the country and the country's cricket board need to move on from scapegoating culture to move forward in international cricket.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, Abhishek Sharma revealed how his father and family helped him overcome a difficult T20 World Cup campaign, during which he battled poor form before scoring a match-winning 18-ball fifty in the final against New Zealand.
Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as Delhi Capitals mentor ahead of IPL 2026, saying he could not commit the time required, though he confirmed he will return to the commentary box during the tournament.
The PCB has denied reports that Pakistan players were fined PKR 5 million each for their T20 World Cup exit, with spokesperson Amir Mir clarifying that no penalties have been imposed, though the board is considering a performance-based accountability formula.
Salman Ali Agha has been given a reprimand and a demerit point following his outburst after the controversial run out during the second ODI against Bangladesh on Friday, March 13.
On this day on March 14, 2001, India overcame a massive first-innings deficit to script a remarkable 171-run victory against Australia in the 2001 Kolkata Test, powered by the record-breaking partnership of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman and a dominant display by Harbhajan Singh on the final day.
Rahul Dravid, Roger Binny and Mithali Raj headline the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi, as Indian cricket celebrates its legends and a historic run of ICC trophy wins.