Former captain Badri Raina recalls J&K’s Ranji journey, backs team to lift trophy

Srinagar, Feb 21: Former Jammu and Kashmir captain Badri Raina has congratulated the J&K team on its historic run in the Ranji Trophy and expressed confidence that the side will go on to lift the trophy.

As per a statement shared, Raina while recalling the early days of J&K’s entry into the Ranji Trophy in 1959, said the team had neither turf wickets nor proper equipment, coaching or exposure, but relied solely on raw talent and energy.

“What a great day it was when we first entered the Ranji Trophy in 1959. We had neither turf wickets nor proper equipment, no coaching, no exposure to games. I captained the team from 1960 to 1962 and played with some all-time greats, but all we had was raw talent and energy,” he said.

He termed the current success of the J&K team as a proud moment for the cricketing fraternity of the region and said it was a culmination of decades of struggle and perseverance.

Raina extended his warmest congratulations to the team and expressed strong belief in their ability to win the title.

“I am confident that the day has come and we will lift the trophy on Feb. 24,” he added.

Notably, his remarks come at a time when the J&K team has created history with its remarkable performance, drawing praise from former players and cricket lovers across India.