Paras Dogra's Resilient Comeback Anchors J&K's Dominant Display in Ranji Trophy Final
The opening day of the Ranji Trophy final proved physically punishing for Jammu and Kashmir skipper Paras Dogra, who endured multiple blows from Karnataka's pace attack and was ultimately forced to retire hurt. The hosts' aggressive short-pitched bowling strategy clearly tested the veteran batter's resolve and technique.
Early Morning Preparation Pays Dividends
Demonstrating remarkable professionalism and determination, Dogra arrived at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium nearly an hour early on Wednesday morning to specifically work on handling the short ball. While not completely untroubled by Karnataka's persistent bouncer barrage, his dedicated preparation enabled him to return to the crease with renewed purpose and contribute significantly to his team's commanding position.
For the second consecutive day, Karnataka's experienced bowling attack labored on a placid surface that has raised questions about its suitability for a championship decider. The visitors capitalized magnificently, reaching an imposing 527/6 in 156 overs before bad light and subsequent rain brought an early conclusion to the day's play. A total of 69 overs were bowled, allowing J&K to strengthen their objective of batting the eight-time champions completely out of contention.
Century Foundation and Batting Depth
Jammu and Kashmir's dominance has been so comprehensive that six different batters have now crossed the fifty-run mark. Shubham Pundir's magnificent century (121 runs from 247 balls, featuring 12 fours and 2 sixes) provided the crucial foundation for troubling Karnataka in their own backyard. His near-flawless innings lasted over six and a half hours before ending somewhat anticlimactically when he added just four runs to his overnight score before mistiming a flick off Vidyadhar Patil.
The Karnataka bowlers alternated between threatening spells and ordinary periods throughout the day. Their persistent use of short balls and bouncers yielded minimal rewards as J&K's batters settled into substantial partnerships. During a brief morning session, Karnataka appeared to be clawing their way back into the contest as Vyshak Vijaykumar and Prasidh Krishna extracted movement and bounce with the new ball, creating genuine pressure.
Resilience After Setbacks
The dangerous Abdul Samad (61 runs) followed Pundir back to the pavilion soon after, edging Prasidh Krishna to wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna while attempting an expansive drive outside off stump. However, J&K's deep and resilient batting lineup ensured Karnataka never built sustained pressure or momentum.
Karnataka, typically among the sharper fielding sides in domestic cricket, have appeared below their best during this crucial final. They have spilled several catching opportunities and failed to convert half-chances at critical moments, further compounding their bowling struggles.
Paras Dogra's gritty 70 runs from 166 balls (including 8 fours) and Kanhaiya Wadhawan's equally valuable 70 from 109 deliveries (featuring 9 boundaries) ensured the early wickets did not derail the visitors' commanding momentum. Their partnership exemplified the team's collective determination and batting depth.
Daunting Task Ahead for Karnataka
To remain in contention for the title, Karnataka must wrap up the remaining four J&K wickets quickly on the third day before beginning the monumental task of overhauling the massive first innings total. The surface conditions and J&K's batting dominance have created a significant challenge for the hosts as they seek their ninth Ranji Trophy championship.
Brief scores at the end of Day 2: Jammu & Kashmir 527/6 (Shubham Pundir 121, Yuvraj Hassan 88, Paras Dogra 70, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 70, Abdul Samad 61; Prasidh Krishna 3/90) versus Karnataka.
