How to weld the J and the K together for a W had seemed like a decade-long problem for Jammu & Kashmir, often thwarting their Ranji Trophy ambitions. “This team has been together for three years now. This season they gelled and became one. It’s the biggest challenge we’ve overcome — and look where we are,” says J&K bowling coach P Krishna Kumar, after his team’s maiden Ranji final appearance, secured with a six-wicket win over Bengal in the semifinals. While the unassuming Paras Dogra was brought in from Himachal Pradesh to lead the side, Krishna Kumar faced a subtler challenge. Bowlers from the Kashmir Valley were ridiculously talented. But to take them to the next level, a coach first had to earn their trust. 𝙎𝘾𝙀𝙉𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙋𝙐𝙍𝙀 𝙅𝙐𝘽𝙄𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 🤩 J&K create history as they defeat Bengal by 7️⃣ wickets to book their ticket to the #RanjiTrophy Final for the very first time 🫡 Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/QXyCuRHJ6e@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/VBKPD9I9mX — BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 18, 2026 “When I joined three years ago, I studied the different …