Drama unfolded in Hubli as Jammu & Kashmir captain Paras Dogra’s head collided with Karnataka fielder KV Anish’s during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final at D.R. Bendre Stadium. The second-day incident in the 101st over threatened to derail the match’s competitive spirit.
Dogra, alongside Kanhaiya Wadhavan, faced Prasidh Krishna’s bowling. A thick edge for four prompted Anish’s taunts from forward short leg. Pushed by repeated provocations, Dogra charged and headbutted the fielder. Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal played peacemaker.
The flashpoint stemmed from Anish’s ongoing verbal aggression, compounded by Dogra’s prior injury—a vicious bouncer from Vaishak Vijaykumar on day one that forced his retirement hurt at 9 off 48 balls.
Post-clash, umpires calmed the scene. Dogra extended an apology after the over, met with Anish’s refusal. Adding to the frenzy, Wadhavan and Vijaykumar clashed physically while running a single, elbows flying in a tense standoff.
On the scoreboard, Jammu & Kashmir, finals debutants, posted 464/5 in 139 overs post-toss batting. Key knocks: Shubham Pundir 121, Yawar Hasan 88, Abdul Samad 61, Wadhavan 70; not outs Dogra 65, Lotra 25. Karnataka eyes response in this fiercely contested title decider.