The Ranji Trophy’s glittering history gained a new chapter as Jammu & Kashmir, after 67 years of pursuit, won their inaugural title in the 2025-26 summit clash against Karnataka. A gritty draw underpinned by a first-innings lead propelled Paras Dogra’s men to glory.
From its 1934-35 inception, the tournament has been Mumbai’s playground, amassing 42 titles and symbolizing domestic cricket’s pinnacle. Northern India’s early defeat paved Mumbai’s path to legend status.
J&K’s 1959-60 entry led to prolonged silverware drought, broken spectacularly this season. This victory underscores the Ranji’s role in unearthing hidden gems amid fierce state battles.
Tracing victors through the ages reveals patterns of dominance and disruption:
Recent: 2025-26 Jammu & Kashmir, 2024-25 Vidarbha, 2023-24 Mumbai, 2022-23 Saurashtra, 2021-22 Madhya Pradesh, 2019-20 Saurashtra, 2018-19 Vidarbha.
No play in 2020-21 due to COVID. Gujarat’s 2017 shock, Karnataka’s 2014-15 resurgence, Rajasthan’s back-to-back in 2011-12.
Mumbai struck gold repeatedly: 2015-16, 2012-13, 2009-10, through to 1970s streaks against Rajasthan and Bengal. Delhi’s 1980s finals mastery and Tamil Nadu’s sporadic peaks add depth.
1990s highlights: Mumbai 1996-97, Karnataka duo in 1997-98/98-99. 1980s: Haryana 1990-91 upset over Mumbai, Bengal-Delhi duels.
Pre-1980: Mumbai’s iron grip in 1960s-70s, Karnataka’s 1970s rise, Holkar’s wartime wins. 1950s Baroda and Holkar tussles.
1940s-30s: Mumbai, Maharashtra, Bengal in formative years. This exhaustive record immortalizes the grind that builds India’s Test fabric, with Jammu & Kashmir’s win heralding fresh narratives.