Mayank Agarwal’s blazing punch amid a collapse
After a season where his form was under the scanner, Agarwal chose domestic cricket’s biggest stage 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), collapsed under a sensational opening spell from J&K’s Auqib Nabi.
At 57/4, Karnataka looked set for a humiliating follow-up. However, Agarwal stood like a rock on one side. With immense discipline against the moving ball, he slowly rebuilt the innings and reached his 21st first-class century in the final session of the day. His celebration – the simple lifting of the helmet – was received with a standing ovation from a relieved dressing room in Karnataka.
Support from Shreya’s Gopal
As the wickets tumbled at the other end, Agarwal found a steady partner Shreyas Gopal. The duo put together a vital partnership of 87 runs for the fifth wicket. Gopal (25) played a perfect foil to Agarwal, diluting the J&K pace attack that had earlier ‘breathed fire’.
Although 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 was not without drama. Day 2 was marred by a physical altercation when J&K were in charge Paras Dogra reportedly headbutted Karnataka’s KV Aneesh after a sledding 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 off a delivery in Ranji Trophy final
Here’s how fans reacted
100 in 153 balls for Mayank Agarwal as he withstands the heat of four early wickets. Only his second hundred of the #RanjiTrophy season. Despite a tremendous blow, Karnataka is still very much in the background but has not yet denied J&K complete satisfaction. 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. A collection of character. A 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 battling 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 point 57/4 and he scored a majestic Hundred against Jammu & Kashmir in the final of this Ranji Trophy – What a remarkable Hundred from 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
Comes the man, comes the hour 💯🔥
While Karnataka struggled at 57-4, Mayank Agarwal stayed on his feet.🫶🏻
A fighting century when it mattered most 🔥🏏
#RanjiTrophy #MayankAgarwal pic.twitter.com/o5iuZLce3Q— Arun Chaudhary🇮🇳 (@iarunchaudhary) February 26, 2026
ONE HUNDRED FOR MAYANK AGARWAL IN RANJI FINAL 🚨
Karnataka at one point 57/4 and he scored a majestic Hundred against Jammu & Kashmir in the final of this Ranji Trophy – What a remarkable Hundred from Mayank Agarwal. pic.twitter.com/Z7kDdWHdPe
— Abhishek Vision (@AbhishekVisionX) February 26, 2026
Stand up and bow to Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal defeated Jammu and Kashmir by a century.
What a fight back for Karnataka as Early wicket was away from KL Rahul.#RanjiFinalepic.twitter.com/KlxKI6AUsM
— Ashu (@AshuKharwa66211) February 26, 2026
Excellent 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 as Karnataka found themselves in trouble in the Ranji Trophy final. pic.twitter.com/iO2ptfSmGW
— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse) February 26, 2026
Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi falls prey to Prasidh Krishna in unusual fashion in Ranji Trophy Final 2026
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