Jammu & Kashmir: Emerging Powerhouse in Domestic Cricket

Transformations don’t occur overnight. They require dedication, discipline, patience, trust, and, most importantly, belief.

Over four determined years, a trio of men has revolutionized the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team, turning it from an underdog into a powerful contender in the prestigious Ranji Trophy tournament.

In the 2024-25 season, J&K reached the tournament’s knockout stages for only the third time. They narrowly conceded a lead to Kerala in the quarterfinals by just one run. The last time they achieved this feat was in 2019 when they fell to Karnataka in the quarterfinals. Currently, J&K sits second in Group D of the points table, trailing only domestic powerhouse Mumbai after five rounds.

J&K has claimed three definitive victories, all against former champions: first against Rajasthan, then against Delhi on their home turf, and lately against Hyderabad at home. Their sole defeat came at the hands of Mumbai.

Ajay Sharma, J&K’s head coach, notes that intense competition for team spots has driven their success. “Three outright wins already. Had we not let Mumbai slip, we could’ve topped the table,” says Sharma.

Their performance results from foresight, commitment, and faith, transforming from mere participants to potential dominators. In a conversation with Sportstar, head coach Ajay Sharma, bowling coach P. Krishna Kumar, and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik reflected on the team’s ascent.

“This isn’t luck—it’s hard work,” Sharma states. “I’m like a family head, with the players as my children. They trust me.” He highlighted the emerging self-belief and healthy competition within the team, saying, “They’re hunting like a pack of wolves now.”

Bowling coach Krishna Kumar shares, “Previously overlooked areas are now professionally addressed. Even minor misfields get discussed in meetings, fostering responsibility. We’re covering most bases.”

Fielding coach Yagnik adds, “We, as a coaching unit—Ajay sir, Krishna sir, and I—prioritize process over results. Our focus is to play to our potential, irrespective of the competition, with the aim to surpass our past records.”

Published on Nov 20, 2025.