The Ranji Trophy final between Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka took a shocking and violent turn on Day 2 (February 25, 2026) at the Hubli Cricket Ground. J&K captain Paras Dogra, known for his veteran composure, was involved in a physical altercation that left players and officials stunned. The high-stakes environment of J&K’s maiden final appearance reached a boiling point during the morning session, overshadowing a historic batting performance by the visitors. While J&K continues to fight for their first title, the headlines are now dominated by disciplinary concerns and a heated verbal war between some of India’s biggest stars.

Heated scenes in Ranji Trophy Final as Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra headbutts fielder

The flashpoint occurred in the 101st over of J&K’s first innings as Dogra and Kanhaiya Wadhawan were solidifying their lead. After Dogra edged a delivery from Prasidh Krishna for a boundary, he became embroiled in a fierce verbal exchange with Karnataka substitute fielder K.V. Aneesh, who was stationed at forward short leg. Triggered by what is believed to be ‘constant sledging,’ Dogra lost his cool, advanced toward Aneesh, and headbutted him while still wearing his batting helmet. Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal and the umpires rushed in to separate the two, but the damage was done. Although Dogra offered an immediate apology after the over, Aneesh outrightly rejected it, leading to further escalation.

Here’s the video:

pic.twitter.com/DxoQQesQ2R

— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) February 25, 2026

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Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal intervenes strongly

The rejection of the apology sparked a secondary confrontation involving Karnataka’s senior stars. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, visibly incensed by the physical nature of the attack, unleashed a barrage of verbal volleys at the J&K skipper. The Karnataka duo reportedly ‘chirped away’ at Dogra incessantly for several overs, creating an incredibly hostile atmosphere on the field. This wasn’t the only friction on Day 2; pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak and Kanhaiya Wadhawan also came face-to-face after a collision during a single, requiring the umpire to push the pacer away. Despite the disciplinary chaos, J&K remained focused on the scoreboard, reaching 350/4 thanks to Shubham Pundir’s 121 and half-centuries from Yawer Hassan and Abdul Samad.

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