Ranji Trophy: J&K heavy favorites to make semis, Kerala likely to struggle vs “best pace” attack

Ranji Trophy Quarters: If J&K go on to beat Kerala in Pune, it would be the first time, they would reach the Ranji semis.

It is time for Ranji Trophy 2024-25 quarters now, and on Saturday, J&K will take on Kerala in their fixture at Pune. The Paras Dogra-led side has been in sensational form this season, qualifying for the playoffs after beating Mumbai in their group. And it wasn’t just a flash in the pan success, where they emerged victors by five wickets, but have been exceptional throughout the tournament, where in group stages, they topped Pool A — winning 5 out of 7 with 35 points.

And behind this successful season are few individual performers, who have been one of the best in the season so far. For starters, this year, J&K have come up with one of the best fast-bowling attacks, who have picked up wickets in a pack. Aaquib Nabi is the most successful pacer this year, bagging 38 wickets 7 matches at an average of 13. His strike-rate has been only 27.

Then Yudhvir Singh has been great too, where he has produced 22 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 19. Next on the list is tall Umar Nazir, who has 17 wickets in the year, at an average of 14. Mind you, all this success has been without their star IPL bowlers Umran Malik and Rasikh Salam.

Aaquib Nabi & Yudhvir Singh Stars for J&K

Come the spinners, Abid Mushtaq, a left-arm orthodox bowler has 23 wickets to his name in 7 matches. Sahil Lotra has 14 in as many matches. And this is just half the success story. Shubham Khajuria has scored 663 runs in 7 matches at an average of 55. SRH fame Abdul Samad has 393 runs in 6 matches including two tons, and an average of 43. And Abid Mushtaq has chipped in with the bat too, scoring 268 runs.

Given the way the team has played this year, there just doesn’t seem a way that Kerala can beat them. And that would take J&K to their very first semis in the history of the tournament. In fact, to say that they have been one of the best teams this year, of course Mumbai and Vidarbha are right up there — wouldn’t be wrong.

In short these players, especially the bowlers deserve a look-in, in the Indian team as well at some point. IPL has already started taking J&K players seriously, but now the Indian team management also needs to, and a semi-final berth here will only help their case.