![Karun Nair and Auqib Nabi [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771827678444_KarunNairandAuqibNabi.jpg?type=hq)
Karun Nair and Auqib Nabi [Source: X]
The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 final will be played between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir from February 24 to 28, 2026, at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground in Hubli. The Jammu Kashmir vs Karnataka match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM IST on Tuesday.
Karnataka enter the summit clash in strong form, having won four of their last five matches, and will enjoy home advantage.
Captain Mayank Agarwal will lead a powerful batting unit featuring Karun Nair and the prolific Ravichandran Smaran, who has scored over 1,100 runs this season.
Their bowling attack, led by Shreyas Gopal and Vidwath Kaverappa, has also delivered consistently.
Jammu and Kashmir, led by Paras Dogra, have impressed with steady performances from Abdul Samad and leading wicket-taker Auqib Nabi, who has claimed 61 wickets this season. With both sides in top form, the final promises a competitive and closely fought contest.
Jammu Kashmir and Karnataka current form (last 5 matches)
| Teams | Form |
| Karnataka | W, W, W, L, W |
| Jammu & Kashmir | W, W, D, D, W |
Jammu Kashmir vs Karnataka: Key player battles
Mayank Agarwal vs Umran Malik
Mayank Agarwal, as Karnataka's anchor and leader, thrives against quality pace but will face Umran's raw speed and bounce. Umran has been a key weapon for J&K's bowling attack in their historic run to the final. Expect early fireworks if Umran gets the new ball swinging or seaming, Mayank's technique against short-pitched bowling will be tested heavily early.
Karun Nair vs Auqib Nabi
Auqib Nabi has been sensational for J&K, including a match-turning 9-wicket haul in the semi-final against Bengal. His ability to move the ball both ways and extract bounce makes him a massive threat to Karnataka's experienced middle order. Karun Nair love building long innings on placid tracks, but Auqib's disciplined lines could exploit any early movement or variable bounce at Hubli.
Shreyas Gopal vs Abdul Samad
Shreyas Gopal has been Karnataka's standout performer this season. His variations and control on turning tracks will challenge J&K's aggressive middle order. Abdul Samad will look to dominate spin. If Shreyas extracts turn on days 3-4, he could dismantle J&K's chase or force collapses, making this a pivotal spin vs aggression contest in a potential low-scoring final.
Also Read: Jammu And Kashmir's Historic Road To The Ranji Trophy Final
Jammu Kashmir vs Karnataka top performers
(Stats as per the most recent clash between Jammu And Kashmir and Karnataka in 2022)
Most runs for J&K vs KAR
Ian Dev Singh (110), Abdul Samad (73)
Most wickets for J&K vs KAR
Parvez Rasool (4), Abid Mushtaq (3)
Most runs for KAR vs J&K
Karun Nair (246), Ravikumar Samarth (107)
Most wickets for KAR vs J&K
Prasidh Krishna (10), Shreyas Gopal (5)
Jammu Kashmir vs Karnataka toss prediction
The KSCA Stadium in Hubli is expected to offer a balanced surface early on before turning into a batting-friendly wicket. While the venue has historically produced green tops, the only Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match played here this season saw batters dominate.
Pacers may get slight assistance with the new ball, but spinners are likely to play a major role as the game progresses, accounting for over 85% of the wickets this season. As cracks develop under heat, spin will become decisive. The captain winning the toss should opt to bat first and aim for a massive total.
Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka 1st innings score prediction
J&K 1st innings: 250
Karnataka 1st innings: 300
Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka 2nd innings score prediction
J&K 2nd innings: 230
Karnataka 2nd innings: 250
Jammu Kashmir vs Karnataka top players prediction
J&K's top players
Probable best batters
Abdul Samad, Paras Dogra
Probable best bowlers
Auqib Nabi, Sunil Kumar
KAR’s top players
Probable best batters
Ravichandran Smaran, Karun Nair
Probable best bowlers
Vidwath Kaverappa, Shreyas Gopal
Who will hit the most sixes in the Jammu & Kashmir vs Karnataka Final?
Who will hit the most fours in the Jammu & Kashmir vs Karnataka Final?
Paras Dogra
Jammu Kashmir vs Karnataka Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win The Final?
Karnataka have faced Jammu and Kashmir three times in head-to-head encounters, and all three matches were won by Karnataka by large margins.
With the team currently in peak form and enjoying home support in Hubli, Karnataka are likely to win the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025–26 final against Jammu and Kashmir.
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