Karnataka have scripted a memorable return to the Ranji Trophy final, reaching the summit clash for the first time in over a decade. The team progressed after securing a commanding first-innings lead against Uttarakhand in a hard-fought semifinal that ultimately ended in a draw.
Resuming Day 5 at 299 for six, Karnataka were bowled out for 323, stretching their overall lead to a mammoth 826 runs. While Uttarakhand showed resilience in their second innings — with Avneesh Sudha (66), Sachin Rawat (53*), and Abhay Negi (57*) scoring fighting half-centuries — the deficit proved insurmountable. Reduced to 156 for six at one stage, Uttarakhand were staring at defeat before Negi and Rawat stitched together a crucial 104-run partnership for the seventh wicket to shut down Karnataka’s hopes of forcing a result.
With time running out and Karnataka assured of qualification due to their first-innings advantage, both captains agreed to end the contest shortly after tea, with Uttarakhand finishing at 260 for six.
This qualification marks Karnataka’s first Ranji final appearance since their golden 2014-15 season under the leadership of R Vinay Kumar. During that dominant phase, Karnataka clinched the Ranji Trophy in consecutive seasons (2013-14 and 2014-15) and went on to complete a rare domestic treble — winning the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Vijay Hazare Trophy in the same season. They became only the second team after Mumbai cricket team to achieve this feat twice in successive years.
The 2014-15 campaign saw Robin Uthappa top the batting charts with 912 runs, while Vinay Kumar and Shardul Thakur finished as joint-leading wicket-takers with 48 wickets each.
Among the current squad, experienced names such as KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal, and Shreyas Gopal serve as the bridge between that era of dominance and the present resurgence.
Karnataka will now face Jammu and Kashmir in the final at Hubballi from February 24, as they aim to reclaim domestic supremacy. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir will be chasing their maiden Ranji Trophy title, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
