J&K will face eight-time champions Karnataka in the summit clash at the KSCA Cricket Stadium in Hubballi from February 24.
'Leave the 22 yards, focus on stumps': Shami's valuable advice for J&K bowlers for Ranji Trophy final/ Credit: BCCI Domestic/X
As Jammu and Kashmir prepare for their maiden Ranji Trophy final, the team’s bowlers received valuable guidance from India fast bowler Mohammed Shami ahead of the historic clash.
J&K will face eight-time champions Karnataka in the summit clash at the KSCA Cricket Stadium in Hubballi from February 24. It will be J&K’s first final appearance in 67 years, marking a landmark moment in their domestic cricket journey.
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It all comes down to this
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Karnataka J & K
Who are you backing to reign supreme? @IDFCFIRSTBank | #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/NW2jIedcXp
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 19, 2026
In a video shared by BCCI Domestic on X, Shami offered simple but impactful advice to J&K seamer Auqib Nabi.
“There’s no problem; whether it’s about swing, length, how fast to bowl, or which delivery to bowl, forget all that. Forget about the 22 yards; just focus on the stumps. Leave everything else aside. Don’t worry about what’s happening where; if any issue comes up later, we’ll deal with it then,” Shami said.
& ‘ ✨
Mohd. Shami, J&K, and the beautiful game ❤️#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/HpoSJ909Ux
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 20, 2026
Jammu and Kashmir sealed their place in the final with a six-wicket win over Bengal in the semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground. Despite Shami’s brilliant performance for Bengal, claiming a career-best 8/90 in the first innings and finishing with nine wickets in the match, J&K scripted history by chasing down the target to enter their first-ever final.
Seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi played a crucial role in the semi-final, picking up four wickets alongside Sunil Kumar as Bengal were bowled out for 99 in their second innings, swinging the momentum firmly in J&K’s favour.
Shami has been one of the standout performers in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, currently the sixth-highest wicket-taker with 37 wickets in seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls. The 35-year-old also picked up a five-for against Services last month, returning figures of 5/51 in the second innings.
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