The Jammu and Kashmir cricket crew had a fairytale red-ball season in 2024-25, rising from the fringes to the centrestage.
It reached the Ranji Trophy knockout part, toppling 42-time champion Mumbai and humbling Baroda — each on their dwelling soil.
Though J&Okay’s dream marketing campaign ended by the narrowest of margins — a one-run defeat to Kerala in the semifinals — there was a way of delight and perception in the ranks.
Fielding coach Dishant Yagnik, one in every of the architects of the turnaround, believes that the finest is but to come for J&Okay. He is assured that the crew will make historical past in all three codecs in the home circuit.
Fuelled by SPB
In an unique chat with The Hindu, Yagnik, who’s guiding the side in the Buchi Babu event right here, felt that J&Okay’s beautiful climb was fuelled by construction, course of and perception.
“The talent was always there but to nurture it, we lacked proper infrastructure and training facilities.
The Manhas touch
“The real transformation began when Mithun Manhas took over in the 2021-22 season. He ensured that all necessary elements of a professional cricket set-up were in place.
“Credit also goes to Brigadier Anil Gupta and Sethi sir. Together with Mithun, the three of them created a roadmap and culture for J&K, and wanted it to be among the top three teams in the country.
“Call it a vision, a dream, or a claim… I truly believe that J&K will be the first side in Indian domestic cricket to win all three formats. When an outfit wants to win that badly, victory is not too far away.
“People only see the results, but rarely those working behind the scenes. Mithun knows how to run the administration and get the best out of the players.
Domestic legend
“Head coach Ajay sir is a domestic legend with decades of experience and his insights are invaluable.
“What’s wonderful is that our coaching doesn’t end at 5 p.m. but continues through discussions and debates well into the night… it’s organic and collaborative. Our philosophy is clear: if we continue to improve internally, the external results will follow.
“We’re focused and hungry, and shouldn’t be taken lightly,” signed off Yagnik, who can be Rajasthan Royals’ fielding coach in the IPL.
