Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 28: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar today led the chorus of praise as Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title, drawing admiration from some of the biggest names in Indian cricket.
In an emotional message reflecting on the journey of the team, Tendulkar said the victory was “beautiful,” noting that Kashmir willows have long been part of champions’ kits across the cricketing world.
“To see Jammu & Kashmir’s journey from being an enabler of champions to becoming champions themselves is beautiful,” he wrote in a post on ‘X’.
He described the season as one built on consistency, resilience and sustained excellence, singling out pacer Auqib Nabi for his standout impact with the ball in a demanding campaign.
Calling it a historic moment for the team, coaches and support staff, Tendulkar added that such journeys define the beauty of domestic cricket.
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin placed J&K’s triumph in the context of a broader shift in domestic cricket over the last decade, pointing out that teams such as Saurashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have also lifted the Ranji Trophy in recent years.
He said these teams succeeded by preparing well and pursuing a unified goal.
Ashwin in a post on ‘X’ noted that such triumphs have paved the way for players like Jaydev Unadkat, Harsh Dubey, Rajat Patidar, Karun Nair and Axar Patel to represent India in Test cricket.
He expressed confidence that J&K, too, would see players from this championship-winning side don national colours in due course.
Calling it a massive achievement, he said the victory should serve as a reminder that unity and a clear goal can open doors to the national team.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag congratulated the entire J&K team on what he termed a historic and well-deserved achievement.
He said the victory proved that talent knows no boundaries and added that this was only the beginning for a side with a bright future.
Echoing similar sentiments, Shikhar Dhawan described the title win as a historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket.
He credited strong leadership from Paras Dogra and lauded Auqib Nabi’s remarkable season with the ball.
Dhawan also acknowledged key contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad and the entire unit, calling it a proud moment.
Wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who followed the Ranji campaign closely, had special praise for Auqib Nabi.
Addressing young aspiring cricketers, he urged them to “do it the Auqib Nabi way,” highlighting the pacer’s domination from start to finish.
Karthik said he could not recall a pacer in recent times who had almost single-handedly won the domestic tournament that matters the most for national selection.
He commended Nabi’s fitness, long spells across varied conditions and his unwavering belief in delivering breakthroughs for his team, calling him an absolute champion.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said his heart was full as he congratulated J&K cricket on winning their first Ranji Trophy, expressing hope that many more titles would follow.
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