RANJI TROPHY 2025-26: Is J&K’s pace machine running on one engine?
Srinagar, Nov 15: Jammu & Kashmir head into their fifth Ranji Trophy match of the 2025–26 season today against Hyderabad at the JKCA Hostel Ground in Jammu riding high on momentum, but one big question mark hovers over the side. Will fast bowler Umran Malik, the team’s pace firebrand, take the field?
Malik, originally from the Jammu region, is yet to be confirmed for playing in the XI selection. While cricket observers in the valley believe his inclusion could significantly boost J&K’s bowling attack and deepen their pace resources, they also point out that Auqib Nabi has been bearing most of the pace workload for J&K. With no clear update from the team management, speculation is rife among cricketing circles in Jammu and Kashmir."
Pace Strength & Key Men in Form
If Malik does suit up, he would join a lethal pace unit already spearheaded by Auqib Nabi, who has been in outstanding form. Nabi has picked up 24 wickets in four matches, making him one of the leading wicket-takers in the competition so far. His ability to extract movement and maintain pressure has been crucial for J&K’s rise this season.
Adding to the excitement, Umar Nazir is also in contention, and if selected alongside Malik and Nabi, J&K could field one of their most potent pace attacks of the season.
Batting Stability & Expectations
On the batting front, J&K’s hopes rest on consistent performances from Qamran Iqbal and skipper Mr Consistent for J&K, Paras Dogra. Qamran, in particular, has been in fine touch; he anchored J&K’s historic seven-wicket win over Delhi with a masterful unbeaten 133. The team will also be hoping Shubman Khajuria rediscovers his form; he has the class and experience to grind out big innings.
Strength in Depth & Momentum
J&K’s run so far suggests they are building something special, a squad that combines youth, firepower, and guile. If Malik plays, the pace battery could become even more intimidating. And even if he misses out, the onus will fall heavily on Nabi and the rest of the seamers and spinners like Vanshaj Sharma and Sahil Lotra, who have done exceptionally well and will have to carry the workload.
On the batting end, with Qamran, Paras Dogra, and Abdul Samad leading from the front and Khajuria expected to bounce back, there is a strong belief in the dressing room that they can pile up runs and dominate.
Former J&K skipper and seasoned pacer Samiullah Beigh, while speaking to Greater Kashmir, says that home conditions have always played to J&K’s strengths, especially when backed by the firepower of their seamers.
“Hyderabad traditionally is a good team, but less strong than Delhi and Mumbai. At Jammu, J&K has the advantage of having a pace-friendly pitch, suited to our outstanding pace attack.
Beigh said that Auqib, Omar, and Umran shall be key to success in the absence of Yudhvir, adding that batters will have to be more positive on pitches offering assistance.
“For J&K, these six points could prove to be the final step to enter the knockouts,” he said.
He, however, added that he expects the same winning team to be played against Hyderabad, stating that all were in good form and doing well.
Hyderabad Challenge
Facing Hyderabad on home turf is not a walk in the park. The visitors will be looking to upset J&K’s rhythm, but the tilt of the scale may depend heavily on whether J&K leverage their pace strength early. If Nabi and Malik (or Nazir) fire Sunil, Hyderabad could be under real pressure.
A former veteran cricketer and mentor, weighing in with his thoughtful observations regarding team combination, pitch conditions, and the form of key players, noted that “the uncertainty over Umran Malik’s availability remains a talking point.”
He said that Malik was still ‘struggling to find his rhythm” post-injury.
“He needs more time, perhaps a lighter match against a softer side to regain confidence,” the veteran former cricketer said.
He said that Auqib Nabi has been exceptional and remains the natural choice to spearhead the attack but said Sunil Kumar’s recent performance against Rajasthan in tough batting conditions has earned him attention.
