On February 18, Jammu and Kashmir created history as they sealed their first-ever Ranji Trophy final berth, beating two-time champions Bengal by 6 wickets in the semi-finals at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani. While Abdul Samad’s knocks of 82 and 30* and Vanshaj Sharma’s unbeaten 43 proved pivotal with the bat, Auqib Nabi starred with the ball, registering a match-haul of 9/123.
With his all-round brilliance, Nabi was rewarded with the Player of the Match award. He picked up a fifer in Bengal’s first innings, finishing with the figures of 5/87. Nabi also contributed with the bat, adding a valuable 42 runs. As a result, the 29-year-old is already in the limelight as India’s next pacer.
Will Auqib Nabi get a Test call-up?
Auqib Nabi, whose latest efforts helped him become the first fast bowler to complete 50 wickets in the Ranji Trophy season, could make it to India’s squad, but as of now, the list features several pacers who are way ahead of him. Notably, Nabi has raced to 55 wickets across nine games and 16 innings, averaging 12.72. Moreover, the pacer’s tally of six five-wicket hauls is also the most for any bowler in the season.
Who is Auqib Nabi? Here’s all you need to know:
Full name: Auqib Nabi
Date of Birth: November 4, 1996
Age: 29 years, 106 days
Batting style: Right hand bat
Bowling style: Right arm medium
Playing role: Bowler
Teams: Delhi Capitals, Jammu & Kashmir and North Zone
Auqib Nabi Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 40 | 66 | 5814 | 2813 | 151 | 7/24 | 18.62 | 2.90 |
| List A | 36 | 36 | 1767 | 1533 | 56 | 4/39 | 27.37 | 5.20 |
| T20s | 34 | 34 | 727 | 938 | 43 | 4/16 | 21.81 | 7.74 |
