The rivalry between the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team and the Kerala cricket team is a compelling part of India’s domestic cricket landscape. Though not as celebrated as some of the bigger matchups, this contest embodies the essence of Indian domestic cricket—regional pride, emerging talent, and fierce competition. Over the years, both teams have made impressive strides in various formats of the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This blog post offers a detailed timeline of matches between Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala, analyzing key encounters, players who made a mark, and the evolution of this underrated rivalry.

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🏏 Early Years: The Foundation of the Rivalry (2000–2010)

The early 2000s were a formative phase for both Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala. At this stage, both teams were striving for consistency in India’s highly competitive domestic circuit.

Ranji Trophy Encounters:

• 2002–03 Season:
  The two sides met in a Plate Group fixture. Kerala, led by experienced players like Sreekumar Nair and Sony Cheruvathur, posted a commanding first-innings score. Jammu and Kashmir struggled to keep pace, losing by an innings margin.
  Key Performer: Sony Cheruvathur (Kerala) – 5 wickets

• 2005–06 Season:
  Played at the University Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, this match saw a slightly better showing from Jammu and Kashmir. However, Kerala’s superior bowling and home conditions helped them to another win.
  Key Highlights: The rise of Kerala’s bowling unit, which would become a strong feature in years to come.

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🏏 Building Momentum: 2010–2015

During this period, the quality of both teams began to improve. Young players started breaking into state sides from both regions.

2011–12 Ranji Trophy:

• In a match played in Srinagar, the home team (J&K) put up a gritty performance. For the first time, they managed to draw against Kerala.
  Highlights: Young pacers from J&K impressed, with Abid Nabi clocking high speeds.

2013–14 Ranji Trophy:

• A thrilling match where Kerala posted a challenging total, but Jammu and Kashmir almost chased it down, only to fall short by 30 runs.
  Standout Players:

  • Ian Dev Singh (J&K) – 90 runs

  • Sachin Baby (Kerala) – 115 runs

  • Sandeep Warrier (Kerala) – 6 wickets in the match

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🏏 Turning Point : 2016–2019 – The Rise of Competitiveness

This phase witnessed significant investments in infrastructure and talent development in both states. The rivalry has become more balanced and exciting.

2016–17 Ranji Trophy:

• The game was played at a neutral venue due to political unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. Kerala’s batting faltered and J&K capitalized to earn a memorable win.
  Key Moments:

  • Parvez Rasool (J&K) delivered an all-round performance: 65 runs and 7 wickets

  • Result: Jammu and Kashmir won by 5 wickets

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Encounters:

Both teams began participating more competitively in the T20 format.

• 2017 Match:
  Kerala defeated J&K in a low-scoring match thanks to an economical spell by Basil Thampi and quickfire runs by Sanju Samson.
  Result: Kerala won by 4 wickets
  Top Performer: Sanju Samson – 47 (32 balls)

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🏏 Recent Battles: 2020–2024 – The Modern-Day Matchups

2020–21 Vijay Hazare Trophy:

• Kerala, with a power-packed batting lineup including Robin Uthappa and Vishnu Vinod, overpowered Jammu and Kashmir in a group-stage match.
  Match Stats:

  • Kerala: 289/6

  • Jammu and Kashmir : 212 all out

  • Result: Kerala won by 77 runs

  • Man of the Match: Robin Uthappa – 97 runs

2021–22 Ranji Trophy:

• A turning point as J&K shocked Kerala with disciplined bowling and improved batting depth.
  Highlights:

  • Abid Mushtaq (J&K) – 5/42

  • Result: Jammu and Kashmir won by 3 wickets

2022–23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy:

• Kerala posted 172/5, and J&K almost chased it down but lost by just 7 runs in a last-over thriller.
  Heroic Effort: Abdul Samad – 58* (31 balls)
  Final Result: Kerala edged out J&K by a narrow margin.

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⚔️ Head-to-Head Stats Overview (All Formats – As of 2025)

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🌟 Key Players in the Timeline

Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team:

• Parvez Rasool: Captain, off-spinner and reliable middle-order batsman. Instrumental in both red-ball and white-ball formats.

• Abdul Samad: Explosive batsman with IPL exposure, vital in T20 clashes.

• Abid Mushtaq: Emerging spinner, key in limited-overs formats.

Kerala Cricket Team:

• Sanju Samson: Star wicketkeeper-batsman, game-changer in the T20 format.

• Sandeep Warrier: Consistent fast bowler, crucial in early breakthroughs.

• Sachin Baby: Dependable middle-order batsman, solid in longer formats.

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🔍 Tactical Differences Over the Years

Jammu and Kashmir:

• Traditionally strong in bowling, especially spin.

• Improved batting line-up in recent years.

• Focus on nurturing local talent through IPL exposure.

Kerala:

• Technically sound batsmen with experience.

• Balanced pace and spin attack.

• Superior fielding and agility due to higher fitness levels.

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🗓️ Timeline Summary of Notable Matches

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🧠 What Makes This Rivalry Unique?

1. Underdog Spirit: Both teams have historically been underdogs, making every win precious.

2. Regional Passion: Fierce loyalty from fans, especially at home games.

3. Talent Pipeline: The rivalry showcases emerging talent who often progress to IPL and India A teams.

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🔮 Future Outlook

The rivalry between Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala cricket teams is poised to grow stronger with each domestic season. Both state cricket boards are investing in youth development, coaching facilities and infrastructure.

Things to Watch:

• Rising young players from both teams joining IPL.

• Potential matchups in knockout stages of the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

• Growth of women’s cricket teams from both states, possibly leading to future rivalries.

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🏁 Conclusion

The Jammu and Kashmir vs Kerala cricket team timeline is more than just a list of matches—it is a story of resilience, emerging talent, and the passion for cricket that transcends regional boundaries. As both teams continue to evolve, fans can look forward to even more thrilling encounters filled with drama, skill, and heart.

Whether you’re a cricket historian, fan, or someone just discovering this rivalry, this timeline offers a compelling look at how two state teams are shaping the future of Indian domestic cricket.

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