Ranji Trophy 2025–26: J&K win toss, elect to bowl first against Rajasthan

Srinagar, Oct 25: Jammu and Kashmir won the toss and opted to field first against Rajasthan as their second home fixture of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season got underway at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Srinagar, on Saturday morning.

The decision to bowl first came on a bright morning with favourable conditions for seamers, as J&K skipper Paras Dogra looked to make early inroads with his pace battery led by Umran Malik and Auqib Nabi.

The tearaway pacer’s inclusion in the playing XI has further strengthened J&K’s bowling lineup, which already features Auqib Nabi, Yudhvir Singh and Abid Mushtaq in strong form.

The match marks a crucial test for J&K after their spirited performance in the season opener against Mumbai, where they fell short by just 35 runs in a thrilling contest at the same venue. Paras Dogra’s brilliant 144 and Auqib Nabi’s all-round show, 7 wickets and key runs had earned widespread praise from former players and fans alike.