Who is Ajay Sharma? J&K Head Coach who was once banned for Life, returns with a Fairy Tale 'Rebirth'

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Jammu and Kashmir have won their maiden Ranji Trophy title as they beat Karnataka in the final in Hubli. The Paras Dogra-led team secured their historic championship with a first innings lead, thus creating history in the tapestry of Indian cricket.

The J&K team, which has grown in stature in recent years, had an adept coaching team behind them. Led by head coach Ajay Sharma, the Kashmir unit grew under the tutelage of fielding coach Dikshant Yagnik and bowling coach P. Krishnakumar.

Ajay Sharma, while speaking with the broadcasters, was visibly emotional while speaking about the journey. The former India cricketer said it was a rebirth for him with the Jammu and Kashmir team, and thanked BCCI president Mithun Manhas for giving him the opportunity.

"It feels like a rebirth for me in cricket. After being away from cricket for so long years, I thank JKCA for giving me the opportunity." Ajay Sharma said.

Who is Ajay Sharma?

Ajay Sharma, born on April 3, 1964, in Delhi, serves as the head coach of Jammu and Kashmir's cricket team, leading them to their maiden Ranji Trophy final in the 2025-26 season. A former Indian cricketer with a stellar domestic record, Sharma has overcome a major career setback to rebuild through coaching.

Sharma excelled in first-class cricket for Delhi, amassing over 10,000 runs at an average of 67.46, including a record 31 Ranji Trophy centuries. He played one Test and 31 ODIs for India from 1988 to 1993, scoring 424 runs and taking 15 wickets with his left-arm spin. Despite six Ranji finals for Delhi, winning twice, his international career remained limited.

Ajay Sharma Coaching Career​

After retiring, Sharma coached at the NCA and Delhi Under-19s before joining Jammu and Kashmir in September 2022 as head coach, replacing Sanjeev Sharma. Initially facing resistance from players focused on T20, he shifted mindsets through patience, securing key wins against Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengal, and Karnataka. Now a life member of JKCA, Sharma calls this his "rebirth."

Ajay Sharma Controversy

In 2000, Sharma received a life ban from cricket due to involvement in a match-fixing scandal, sidelining him for 15 years. A Delhi court cleared him in 2014, allowing his return to coaching. In 2025, as J&K coach, he accused Baroda of pitch tampering during a Ranji match, prompting an official complaint, though Baroda denied it as baseless.