Jammu & Kashmir target errors ahead of Ranji Trophy defence after 167-run Irani Cup loss

Jammu & Kashmir acknowledged shortcomings after their 167-run defeat to Rest of India in the Irani Cup in Srinagar on October 5, and said they would address mistakes before beginning their Ranji Trophy title defence on October 11.

The side, defending champions of the Ranji Trophy, finished the Irani Cup contest having lost by 167 runs and conceded that fatigue showed towards the closing stages. The opposition contained as many as six players who have represented India, and J&K were without pacer Auqib Nabi, who was part of India’s squad for the ODI series against the West Indies. The team’s Ranji opener is scheduled for October 11.

Umar Nazir took five wickets in the Irani Cup but delivered 22 no-balls across the two innings, an issue the team flagged for correction. “There were a few too many no-balls. Against such a big team, minor errors can lead to a loss. We will try to minimise those small mistakes,” the middle-order batter said.

Forty-one-year-old Paras Dogra, speaking after the loss, emphasised the positives from the match and the quality of the opposition. “We fought really well against a Rest of India team where there were six-seven India players,” Dogra said after the loss. “It’s a very good sign that we are there.”

Dogra noted that J&K did not have Nabi and Yudhvir Singh available for the Irani Cup but that the remaining pace bowlers produced encouraging spells. He reflected on learning points from both departments and on selection options among fast bowlers. “We learnt a lot of things from this game. A little about the batting and a little about the bowling. We have the strength, so we can also change a few bowlers if needed,” Dogra added.

J&K will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Madhya Pradesh at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium on October 11, with the coaching staff and players focused on reducing the small errors highlighted during the Irani Cup.