J&K Captain Keeps Cool After Heat-of-Moment Head-Butt in Ranji Final

Paras Dogra, Jammu and Kashmir’s captain, tried to downplay a on-field incident where he head-butted Karnataka substitute fielder KV Aneesh during the Ranji Trophy final on the second day. Dogra said it was heat of the moment and not a big deal, noting the day’s sweltering conditions and that things have since settled. “It was just in a little heat of the moment. Not a big thing. Yeah, it is all settled now,” he said, emphasizing that such exchanges can happen in a final but are quickly forgotten. He added that the focus remains on using the moment to their advantage. "We are in a good position. That’s what matters for me. All that keeps happening and especially when you are playing a final, a bit of it happens," Dogra commented as J&K moved to a commanding 527/6 in their first innings, putting Karnataka under pressure. He explained the plan is to bat long to secure a first-innings lead, aiming to push for a result rather than chase a target on a single day. Dogra and Kanhaiya Wadhawan stitched a 110-run partnership for the sixth wicket, with Wadhawan contributing 70. Dogra, who also faced a close call after a delivery from India pacer Prasidh Krishna beat the slip cordon, stressed that the team intends to dig in and extend their stay at the crease. “We spoke about having a good partnership. Let’s dig in because this time won’t come again. Try to give your best and take the team in a good position,” he said. The captain added that he had prepared for short-pitched bowling before play, though he stopped short of commenting on Karnataka’s bowling plans. Karnataka, known for its strong batting lineup, faces a daunting task to overturn a substantial first-innings deficit as the match moves forward.

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