While Rishabh Pant sat out the final day due to illness, it was the quiet heroes; Mukesh’s match-winning 6/33 and Smaran’s gritty 135; that turned the tide. J&K, champions fresh off their Ranji Trophy win, were bowled out for 111 chasing 279. Smaran, who also notched 68 in the first innings, proved why he’s becoming a reliable middle-order anchor. Mukesh, the Bengal speedster, now has 11 five-wicket hauls in first-class cricket; his best coming when it mattered most. The win also gives Akash Deep, who bagged six wickets in the match, a strong case for Test selection ahead of the New Zealand tour. Sometimes, it’s not the stars you expect who light up the stage; it’s the ones who show up when it counts.