Ranji Trophy: Why J&K's win against Mumbai is so special

It might be only the first round of this year’s Ranji Trophy, but Jammu & Kashmir has already managed to create ripples in the cricketing world by beating domestic heavyweights Mumbai in their opening round match at the Wankhede Stadium. Add to it the fact that this is the first time that they are playing in the elite Group A and the victory already tastes sweeter.

After a convincing performance in Group C last year — J&K managed to reach the quarterfinals and thereby qualify to play in Group A this year — a four wicket win against an elite team would seem more of a natural progression. But then, what makes this victory special is the fact that September floods ensured that this team didn’t even have proper facilities to train for the most prolific domestic tournament in the country. In fact, the BCCI had to ensure that their season isn’t spoilt altogether and they play all their home games in a neutral venue.

If the pressure of playing in the elite group for the first time wasn’t enough, they were pitted against none other than 40-times Ranji champions Mumbai in their very first game.

But a new coach in Sunil Joshi proved to be a blessing in disguise. Known to be a hard taskmaster, Joshi made it clear that there was no shortcut to success and the result was on display on the opening day of the match itself as Ram Dayal and Waseem Raza picked three wickets apiece to bundle Mumbai out for 236 in their first essay.

Skipper and state heartthrob Parvez Rasool too chipped in with two wickets. But his job was only half done as after an impressive start, it was time to show the world that the first day’s performance was no fluke. And this is when 19-year-old Shubham Khajuria chipped in and made it count. In Ian Singh’s (70) company, Khajuria scored his maiden first-class century as J&K surpassed Mumbai’s first innings score and ensured that the match was in the pocket.

But Ram Dayal was not done yet and picked a five-for in the second innings to derail Mumbai’s second innings. While chasing 237 in the last innings is never easy, Khajuria showed that his consistent performance at the U-19 level last year was no flash in the pan and scored an impressive 78 to anchor the chase.

While Rasool seems to be the only player close to making the national team at present, it was impressive to see other J&K players chip in and register what is their biggest win in the gentleman’s game so far. For once, it was the other players who rose to the occasion rather than waiting for Rasool to shoulder all responsibilities.

Even though Bishan Singh Bedi is no longer their coach, he had definitely instilled a sense of belief in these boys from the Valley and Joshi has already shown what a talented bunch of youngsters can do if provided the right direction.

All said and done, it is a long season ahead and while the J&K players deserve every bit of the adulation that they are receiving, they shouldn’t forget that action speaks louder than words and they need to make thrashing "giant" Ranji teams a habit if they really want the world to sit up and take note.