Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Round 5 preview: In-form J&K hopes to destabilise composed Hyderabad

Sixty-five years is a long wait. Last week, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) finally ended that, sealing its first-ever win over Delhi in Ranji Trophy. The seven-wicket triumph was historic and decisive, pushing J&K to second place in the Elite Group D table, just behind Mumbai.

Buoyed by the sensational result, J&K will take on Hyderabad at the JKCA Sports Hostel & Science College Ground on Sunday.

Its breakthrough in and against Delhi was the culmination of a season that had been gathering momentum steadily.

J&K opened its campaign with an outright win over Rajasthan, where the bowlers stamped their authority. Auqib Nabi’s seven-wicket haul and Sunil Kumar’s four-wicket effort dismantled Rajasthan and set a strong tone for the season.

The second-round match, against Chhattisgarh, tested its resolve.

Reduced to zero for two in the first over, opener Shubham Khajuria produced a magnificent 190, supported by captain Paras Dogra’s half-century, to steer the side to a hard-earned draw and underline its ability to absorb pressure.

Then came Delhi — and history. Dogra anchored the first innings with a century, complemented by Abdul Samad’s fluent 85. The bowlers struck in tandem once more: Nabi with his second fifer (five for 35) and young spinner Vanshaj Sharma claimed six for 68.

To finish the job, opener Qamran Iqbal smashed an unbeaten 133, guiding J&K over the line.

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“It was a great win against Delhi. The guys are confident and looking forward to winning this game as well. Everyone is very positive,” Dogra said.

“It’s good to have a coach like him (Ajay Sharma). He shares his experience and the lessons he has learned over the years. He is very strict and keeps everyone on their toes, which is a good sign — it ensures we don’t relax and always give our best,” Dogra added.

Hyderabad, meanwhile, arrives on the back of a solid and balanced campaign.

Skipper Rahul Singh’s 114 against Pondicherry set the tone early, while Tanmay Agarwal, Kodimela Himateja and Rahul Radesh have provided stability in the batting unit.

Its bowling group — disciplined and consistent — has kept it competitive across all three rounds.

Both sides enter Sunday’s contest with strong credentials. J&K carries form, confidence, and home advantage; Hyderabad brings depth and steadiness.

Published on Nov 15, 2025