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In a high-stakes Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final, Karnataka‘s seasoned campaigner Mayank Agarwal produced one of his most important career knocks, smashing a resilient century to keep his side afloat against a dominant Jammu & Kashmir at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium. Despite Agarwal’s heroics, Karnataka remains in a precarious position as they chase J&K’s mountain-sized first-innings total of 584.
Mayank Agarwal’s blazing knock amidst a collapse
Coming off a season where his form had been under the scanner, Agarwal chose the grandest stage of domestic cricket to rediscover his touch. Karnataka’s reply to J&K’s 584 got off to a disastrous start on Day 3. The top order, featuring stars like KL Rahul (13) and Devdutt Padikkal (11), crumbled under a sensational opening spell by J&K’s Auqib Nabi.
At 57/4, Karnataka looked set for a humiliating follow-on. However, Agarwal stood like a rock at one end. Showing immense discipline against the moving ball, he slowly rebuilt the innings, reaching his 21st First-Class century in the final session of the day. His celebration—a simple raising of the helmet—was met with a standing ovation from a relieved Karnataka dressing room.
Support from Shreyas Gopal
While wickets tumbled at the other end, Agarwal found a steady partner in Shreyas Gopal. The duo stitched together a vital 87-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Gopal (25) played a perfect foil to Agarwal, blunting the J&K pace attack that had earlier “spat fire.”
Though Gopal fell late in the day, Agarwal’s presence ensured that Karnataka reached 176/5 by the time the shadows lengthened in Hubballi.
The match has not been without its share of drama. Day 2 was marred by a physical altercation when J&K captain Paras Dogra reportedly headbutted Karnataka’s KV Aneesh following a sledging incident. Agarwal had to play the role of peacemaker on that occasion, a temperament he carried into his batting today.
Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi removes KL Rahul with peach of a delivery in Ranji Trophy final
Here’s how fans reacted
100 in 153 balls for Mayank Agarwal as he stands up to the heat of four early wickets. Only his second hundred of the #RanjiTrophy season. Despite a superb knock, Karnataka still very much on the back foot but has denied J&K full satisfaction just yet. pic.twitter.com/1mQTZNpybv
— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) February 26, 2026
Match saving 💯
Mayank agarwal pic.twitter.com/SLF16jaNM7— Balunatesh (@Balunatesh) February 26, 2026
Mayank Agarwal, take a bow. An innings of character. Long way to go.
— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) February 26, 2026
100 off 153 balls — Brilliant century for Mayank Agarwal. Karnataka’s hopes rest on him… #RanjiTrophy
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) February 26, 2026
A 💯 to remember for Mayank Agarawal 👏👏
He is fighting it out for Karnataka in the #RanjiTrophy Final 🫡
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/G0ytZLEyNB @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/5hcdYmmvuC
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2026
Mayank Agarwal brings up his 21st first-class hundred for Karnataka against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji trophy final 💯#MayankAgarwal #RanjiTrophy #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/5Nv96QPMYQ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 26, 2026
🚨 HUNDRED FOR MAYANK AGARWAL IN RANJI FINAL 🚨
Karnataka at one stage 57/4 and he scored a majestic Hundred against Jammu & Kashmir in the Final of this Ranji Trophy – What a remarkable Hundred by Mayank Agarwal. pic.twitter.com/zsTUbmNZWn
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) February 26, 2026
Mayank Agarwal stands between J&K and the #RanjiTrophy
— Fouad Farooq (@ffarooqb) February 26, 2026
Cometh the man, cometh the hour 💯🔥
With Karnataka struggling at 57-4, Mayank Agarwal stood tall.🫶🏻
A fighting century when it mattered the most 🔥🏏
#RanjiTrophy #MayankAgarwal pic.twitter.com/o5iuZLce3Q— Arun Chaudhary🇮🇳 (@iarunchaudhary) February 26, 2026
HUNDRED FOR MAYANK AGARWAL IN RANJI FINAL 🚨
Karnataka at one stage 57/4 and he scored a majestic Hundred against Jammu & Kashmir in the Final of this Ranji Trophy – What a remarkable Hundred by Mayank Agarwal. pic.twitter.com/Z7kDdWHdPe
— Abhishek Vision (@AbhishekVisionX) February 26, 2026
Stand and Take a bow for Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal smashed a century against Jammu and Kashmir.
What a fight back for Karnataka when Early wicket gone of KL Rahul.#RanjiFinalpic.twitter.com/KlxKI6AUsM
— Ashu (@AshuKharwa66211) February 26, 2026
Outstanding Hundred For Mayank Agrawal in Ranji Trophy Final Against J&K.#KARvJK pic.twitter.com/9SMfpTTOc6
— 🚩🇮🇳 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐑 𝟏𝟖 ❤️ (@82_mohali__) February 26, 2026
CLUTCH IN THE FINAL 🏏🔥
Mayank Agarwal steps up with a crucial hundred when Karnataka were in trouble in the Ranji Trophy final. pic.twitter.com/iO2ptfSmGW
— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse) February 26, 2026
Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi falls in unusual fashion to Prasidh Krishna in Ranji Trophy Final 2026
