Tensions boiled over on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 final when Paras Dogra was involved in a heated altercation with a Karnataka fielder at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli. The Jammu and Kashmir captain briefly lost his composure and appeared to headbutt Karnataka’s KV Aneesh during a tense moment in the match.
The incident occurred midway through the 101st over of Jammu and Kashmir’s first innings. Dogra had just edged a delivery that raced past the diving gully fielder for a boundary. Moments later, the stump microphone picked up an exchange of words at the striker’s end, hinting that tempers were rising between the players. What started as verbal sledging quickly escalated into an ugly confrontation between Dogra and Aneesh.
Before the situation could spiral further, Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal rushed in and positioned himself between the two players. Agarwal was visibly animated as he confronted Dogra, while umpires and other players quickly stepped in to calm the situation. Match officials intervened promptly and spoke to both sides to prevent the altercation from worsening.
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Reports suggest that sustained sledging from the close-in fielders may have triggered Dogra’s reaction. The experienced batter later apologised to Aneesh for the headbutt, but the Karnataka player reportedly refused to accept the apology. The incident added further intensity to an already high-stakes Ranji Trophy final.
It’s a headbutt by the J&K captain. Just not done in a cricket match #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/Z7Jgv4XuiS
— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) February 25, 2026
Interestingly, Dogra had earlier endured a painful moment on Day 1 when he was forced to retire hurt on 9 after being struck on the glove by a sharp short ball from Karnataka pacer Vyshak Vijaykumar. Showing resilience, the 41-year-old returned to bat on the second day and compiled a gritty half-century for his side.
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Jammu and Kashmir had started strongly after winning the toss and choosing to bat first in their maiden Ranji Trophy final. The team ended Day 1 on a commanding 284/2, powered by a century from Shubham Pundir and a valuable half-century from Abdul Samad.
While Jammu and Kashmir chase history with their first title, Karnataka are eyeing their ninth Ranji Trophy crown, setting the stage for a fiercely contested final.
