‘Biggest moment of my life’: Paras Dogra after Jammu and Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra on Saturday was left almost speechless after steering his team to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title, describing it as the “biggest” moment of his life.

Jammu and Kashmir carved their name into the record books by lifting their first Ranji Trophy crown based on a first innings lead after the final against Karnataka cricket team ended in a draw.

"I can't explain to be honest; I have no words. Currently, it is the biggest thing in my life. This will be the biggest gratitude I will have in my life before I go away from this world,” Dogra said after the triumph.

"To be honest, I have been lucky to be with JKCA, the guys have been phenomenal, they have been excellent, it is not about the (playing) eleven, it is (about the) 14-15 guys, they are tremendous, they have been putting their hands up and they have been keen to win the matches. From the beginning, they were 100 per cent sure that we going to win this Ranji Trophy.”

Qamran Iqbal’s defining knock

Having secured a massive 291 run lead on Friday, J and K tightened their hold on the contest on the fifth and final day with another dominant batting effort, spearheaded by Qamran Iqbal.

Brought into the playing eleven at the eleventh hour, Iqbal delivered a match defining unbeaten 160 to stand out as one of the chief architects of the historic title win.

Iqbal, who was not initially in the plans for the final, was flown in after veteran opener Shubham Khajuria was ruled out with an injury on the eve of the clash.

He seized the opportunity in emphatic style, anchoring the second innings as J and K batted Karnataka out of the game.

"I'm feeling good. This is the first time our state has won a tournament. It's (due to) all the effort of the coaches, the boys and the administrators at JKCA. So, congrats to JKCA,” Iqbal said after the win.

From late call-up to match hero

Recalling the sudden call up, the 24-year-old added: “I was a bit injured. I was at home when I got a call at 3:00 in the morning. I caught a flight in the evening. Then I came here at 8:00 in the morning. So, it was fine.”

Iqbal had last featured in early January against Saurashtra cricket team but maintained he remained prepared despite being out of the side.

“I was preparing. I was practicing and playing matches so I was prepared.”

After scoring just six runs in the first innings, he responded with a composed effort under pressure, blending patience with confidence.

“It was both confidence and a tactic. It was a new ball. It was Day 1. So, it was both,” he said of his approach.

While celebrating the triumph, Iqbal also acknowledged Karnataka’s fight.

“They have a very good team. They played well. So, congrats to JKCA.”

Foundation laid by team effort

Iqbal and Sahil Lotra struck fluent hundreds during an unbeaten 197 run stand as J and K extended their overall lead to 633 runs.

Iqbal credited the administrators, coaching staff and senior players for setting the stage for the landmark victory.

"First of all, I will start with JKC administrators. Before Mr. Mithun, there was Anil Gupta sir, and there is Mr. Majid too. We had a lot of preparation in pre-season. We were sent out to play matches. We played (the) Buchi Babu (Invitational Tournament); we played (almost) everything."

Praising coach Ajay Sharma, Iqbal said: "He is so focused for the team. He takes everything very seriously. He doesn't take it lightly so this is the result.

"And then there are senior players in the team... they kept the atmosphere good. Aqqi (Auqib Nabi) also bowled exceptionally well. Everyone contributed (and) everyone played a good role.”

Looking ahead, the opener kept his ambitions simple.

"Nothing much. (The) match-to-match focus is on. We won today, it will be a celebration. Let's see what happens in the future.”

(With PTI Inputs)