India, Feb. 19 -- The winds of change are blowing in domestic cricket. Since the Ranji Trophy resumed after the pandemic, the champions are Madhya Pradesh (2021-22), Saurashtra (2022-23), Mumbai (2023-24) and Vidarbha (2024-25). Even more heartening is how every season now seems to throw up a new underdog story. If it was Kerala that made the final last year, it is Jammu and Kashmir this year.

J&K's showing is built on the blood, sweat, and tears of players, but one must also acknowledge the BCCI's focus on building infrastructure (still a work-in-progress in J&K, but much better than earlier). In parallel, the rise of T20 leagues means talented players are getting more opportunities - both once limited to the metros. We are also seeing ...