One of Indian domestic cricket’s greatest stories unfolded in 2026 with Jammu and Kashmir beating all odds to clinch the prestigious Ranji Trophy title for the very first time. With the aim that this historic title - the result of a focus on grassroots development in the region - only leads to more growth and success, the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) have roped in former India pacer Sidharth Kaul to mentor and guide their vast talent pool of bowling.

Ahead of the start of the 2026-27 domestic season, Kaul joined the J & K Under-23 side as Bowling Coach in a new chapter of his career, less than two years since he announced his retirement as a player.

“Even during my playing days, I was always keen on helping out young players who would ask me about fast bowling,” Kaul recently told BCCI.tv. “I shifted to coaching because I felt I wanted to give back to the game.”

“As a cricketer, I gave my heart and soul to every team I played for, be it in international, domestic, and even (English) County cricket. I give it my all,” he expressed, adding that he learned the importance of giving it his all from his father, Tej Kaul.

Kaul hails from a sporting family, with his father, and brother Uday, both having played first-class cricket. The 36-year-old former Punjab player now has the opportunity to give back to the game with the state his father once represented in first-class cricket, which makes it all the more special for him.

“It is a lovely feeling, like coming back to my roots,” Kaul said. My father has spent most of his life here, playing here, but I never had the opportunity to spend enough time here or even contribute to cricket here in J & K. It was more about destiny I believe and it feels great.”

Kaul, who played three T20Is and as many ODIs in 2018 and 2019, earlier tried his hand at coaching and mentorship with some help from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). However, the seeds of his move to the J & K Under-23 team were sown during a conversation with BCCI President Mr Mithun Manhas on the sidelines of a match in Punjab.

“He asked me what I had been up to and that’s when I told him about my coaching stint and interest. A few months later, I got a call from J & K and I applied for the role,” Kaul revealed.

Kaul highlighted the role played by Mr Manhas in the development of cricket in the region, stressing the importance of sustained effort over a long period of time.

“The Ranji Trophy success last season is not only about one year. It is a process of almost five years during which Mithun bhaiya’s vision and mindset for J & K cricket was instrumental to all the success, and I feel it will only keep getting better here.”

Kaul, with the experience of 199 matches and 496 wickets across his first-class and List-A career, as well as the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2008 winners’ medal to his name, was onboarded by the JKCA with the vision of creating a talent pool of bowlers for the long-term.

“The vision with the U23 team is also about creating a belt or talent pool of players that can grow and make it to the Ranji Trophy team. Mithun bhaiya’s mindset is also primarily about helping players grow,” Kaul pointed out.

Kaul stressed that players motivated to succeed despite immense challenges help with that vision.

“Players here in J & K have come from very far places, where they do not have enough resources and infrastructure, but they are motivated and inspired to do well for their state team. That gives me a big push as a coach.”

When asked about his coaching style, the Pathankot-born Kaul’s answer is as clear as his approach - Focus on your basics, stay true to yourself and your game. As this new chapter continues to unfold, one thing is certain. Kaul will continue to give it everything.

“My main goal is to give the right guidance to every player who seeks it and help them reach their dreams. I will give my heart and soul to it, just as I did as a player,” he concluded.

- By Aayush Majumdar