J&K beat Delhi for the first time in Ranji Trophy history

Delhi cricket slumped to a new low on Tuesday as a spirited Jammu & Kashmir side, powered by opener Qamran Iqbal’s unbeaten century, handed them a seven-wicket defeat, their first-ever win over Delhi in Ranji Trophy history.

After four matches, Delhi, coached by Sarandeep Singh, are languishing at sixth in Group D with just seven points. With only four points from three home games, their chances of reaching the knockouts now appear remote.

Questionable team selections, inconsistent strategies, lack of sharp leadership, and deep-rooted factionalism within the DDCA have all contributed to Delhi’s decline.


Historically, Delhi dominated Jammu & Kashmir -- winning 37 of their 43 encounters since 1960. But on Tuesday, J&K chased down the 179-run target comfortably. Starting the final day at 55 for one, they needed 124 runs, which Iqbal (133 not out off 147 balls) achieved with ease, using his reach and confident footwork to neutralize Delhi’s spinners.

The Delhi bowlers, including Mannan Bhardwaj and Hrithik Shokeen, failed to exploit the rough patches, often bowling too fast to extract any turn.

Veteran skipper Paras Dogra also shone for J&K, scoring a first-innings hundred, his second of the season after one against Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s internal troubles persist. Despite last season’s poor run, head coach Sarandeep Singh was retained amid lobbying within the DDCA. Captain Ayush Badoni’s attractive half-centuries have done little to inspire confidence, while top domestic performers like Arpit Rana and Priyansh Arya have struggled or been misused.

The decision to persist with Anuj Rawat as wicketkeeper, despite stronger bench options like Tejasvi Dahiya and Pranav Raghuvanshi, has also raised eyebrows.

Following the latest defeat, DDCA president Rohan Jaitley is expected to intervene, as per PTI.

Brief Scores:
Delhi 211 & 277 lost to J&K 310 & 179/3 (Qamran Iqbal 133*); J&K won by seven wickets.

With inputs from PTI