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this 2025-26 Ranji Trophy Finals The KSCA Stadium in Hubballi witnessed an unforgettable moment for cricket fans. On Saturday, as the historic clash between the two sides Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) and Karnataka Reaching a fever pitch, the crowd witnessed an anomaly: star batsman and wicketkeeper Kuala Lumpur Rahul Hand the ball over so his arm turns over. As J&K was on the verge of winning the title for the first time, Karnataka’s desperation led to a viral sensation and a stir on social media.
KL Rahul emerges as bowler in 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final at Hubballi
Karnataka captain as game moves away from eight-time champion Dedutt Padikkar In the 81st over of J&K’s second innings, an unconventional call was made to introduce Rahul into the attack. Rahul, usually seen behind the stumps or at slip, took off his hat and pitched a slow spin to his right arm, a sight that drew cheers from the Hubballi crowd.
Round 83, in particular, became the highlight of the day. Facing the carefully arranged Sahil Lotra and centurion Kamran IqbalRahul conceded 12 runs in a series that showcased both his experimental madness and dominance as a batsman.
On the first ball of the over (82.1), Rahul bowled a full ball gently at mid-on and off. Lotra didn’t miss the invitation and used his front leg to make room and send the ball long-on for a towering six. The next ball (82.2) offered a rare chance; a long-on delivery from Lotra triggered a thick outside edge, but the chance was hastily taken. Mayank Agarwal Slipping at first.
The match continued and Iqbal showed his class. Iqbal held on to a short delivery at 82.4 and got a boundary at mid-on. At the end of his two-stroke run, Rahul was at 2-0-15-0, providing a brief but entertaining interlude in an otherwise grueling final.
Here is the video:
We have KL Rahul Bowling pic.twitter.com/HqBRwbpKID
— Sadha (@sadha2525) February 28, 2026
Jammu and Kashmir writes history in Ranji Trophy final
While viral clips of Rahul’s bowling grabbed the attention of the internet, the real story remains Jammu and Kashmir’s clinical dominance. Entering the finals as a first-time contestant palas dograLeading a team to bully domestic giants in his own backyard.
J&K totaled 584 runs in the first innings and the headlines were Shubham Pondhir121, setting a mountain too high for Karnataka to climb. Despite Agarwal’s 160, Karnataka were bowled out for 293, thanks to a brilliant five-wicket haul from the leading wicket-taker this season, Ochib Nabi (5/54).
By the morning of the fifth day, J&K extended their lead to 576 points. Iqbal sealed the second innings with a brilliant 114 (214b) and Lotra backed him up with a gritty 63 (143b). They collaborated more than 100 times, effectively dashing Karnataka’s hopes of a miracle.
With the scoreboard reading 285/4 in the second innings and a total lead of over 575 runs, the perennial underdogs from the North were just hours away from etching their names on the prestigious Ranji Trophy for the first time.
Watch also: Auqib Nabi bowls out KL Rahul with peach performance in Ranji Trophy final
