In-form J&K face Pondicherry today

Srinagar, Jan 21: Jammu and Kashmir will look to consolidate their strong run in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 when they face Pondicherry in their Elite Group D fixture on Thursday, carrying impressive momentum from the earlier phase of the Ranji Trophy tournament.

After five matches, J&K are placed second on the Elite Group D points table, having registered three wins, one loss and one draw. The team has accumulated 20 points, including one bonus point.

In the batting charts, J&K have enjoyed consistent returns. Abdul Samad has been among the standout performers, scoring 394 runs in seven innings at an average of 56.29. His tally includes a highest score of 125, along with one century and two half-centuries.

Samad stands as a key pillar in the middle order for J&K team.

Senior batter Paras Dogra has also been in fine touch, amassing 379 runs in eight innings, remaining not out once. Dogra averages 54.14, with a highest score of 144, and has already struck two centuries and one fifty this season. Dogra has been providing stability and experience at the top for J&K.

The bowling unit has been equally effective, led by pacer Auqib Nabi, who is currently among the top wicket-takers in the group. Auqib has claimed 29 wickets in nine innings from five matches, conceding 385 runs at an impressive average of 13.27. His economy rate of 2.53 and strike rate of 31.37, including three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul, have made him a consistent threat for opposition batting line-ups.

With both batting and bowling units firing, J&K will enter the Pondicherry clash today aiming to strengthen their position in the points table and push for a potential group-top finish.