In Hubballi, on February 28, six years ago, an 18-year-old, Abdul Samad, was deeply disappointed after failing to help Jammu and Kashmir secure a 15-run lead in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Karnataka, which would have given them a vital first-innings advantage.
Samad batted fluently, scoring 43 runs in 50 balls, but was dismissed after being caught by J Suchith, leaving J&K with 192 runs for eight wickets in their first innings.
Karnataka, who had scored 206 in their first innings, then took the remaining two wickets for the same score, gaining a 14-run lead and setting the stage for a 167-run victory that secured them a place in the semifinals.
Samad has not forgotten that experience.
"I do remember that match. To be precise, I was batting at that time. We needed to score 14 runs. I felt regret about that match, which happened in 2020. If we had achieved a first-innings lead, it would have helped us qualify. And I got out at that time," Samad said after scoring 61 runs in 104 balls in J&K's first innings against Karnataka in the final.
"That dismissal haunted me for a long time. As a young player, I was still learning. I believe this win will help me move on from that experience," Samad added.
However, that experience had a positive impact on Samad.
"I think it was a turning point for me. When I made my debut at 18, I was still inexperienced. Now, at 24, I feel more mature. I'm a more experienced batsman, and that dismissal taught me to value my wicket," Samad explained.
Samad is known for his aggressive batting style, having scored 748 runs in 10 matches at an average of 57, with three centuries and five fifties.
"This season, especially, I focused on enjoying my game and also understanding the match situation. That strategy worked well for me," he said.
But now, Samad is a confident player, standing with a trophy around his neck. He no longer dwells on the past failures.
Samad credited the bowlers for helping him overcome those difficult moments. The bowlers put on an impressive performance, bowling out Karnataka for 293 after the batters had set a massive target of 584.
"I think the pitch played a significant role. But considering our bowling discipline was much better than theirs, they couldn't perform," Samad said.
The 24-year-old also praised captain Paras Dogra and coach Ajay Sharma for creating a positive and supportive atmosphere throughout the season.
"Ajay sir created an environment where everyone knew their roles. He gave everyone the opportunity to perform, and everyone took that responsibility. That helped us greatly," Samad said.
Sharma also explained how he managed Samad's talent.
"I was not happy with Samad when I joined the team (in 2023). He used to throw his wicket away. He was already a star because of his performance in the IPL.
"I told him that IPL is a different game. If you win the Ranji Trophy, or if you perform well in the Ranji Trophy, you will become a star. It took him time to understand this concept.
"I dropped him last year after the match against Bombay. He threw his wicket away with an irresponsible shot. I think he understood this year and learned to value his wicket. He is the top run-scorer this year. He is also very consistent," Sharma beamed.
Samad echoed these sentiments.
"We have learned a lot from them. Their work ethic and their approach to fitness (Dogra) are inspiring. I think we look up to them and learn a lot from them," Samad said.
Samad believes that their maiden Ranji Trophy victory will have a significant impact on the future of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
"This is a major achievement for everyone in J&K. Not just the players, but the staff, the people of J&K, the young cricketers. I believe this will change their lives and inspire them to pursue cricket," Samad said.
"People will now be more interested in cricket, and they will try to practice and compete in the trials. Before this, not many people were interested in cricket. But now, that might change," Samad concluded.
