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 also rewarded with the Player of the Match award. During the semi-final, Nabi picked up nine wickets in total, including a five-wicket haul in Bengal’s first innings and a four-fer in the second innings (5/87 and 4/36). In addition, Nabi also contributed with the bat, adding valuable 42 runs while batting at number 9.
Will Auqib Nabi get a Test call-up?
With his recent efforts, Nabi not only stole the limelight but also became the first fast bowler to complete 50 wickets in the season. In all, he raced to 55 wickets across nine games and 16 innings, averaging 12.72, which is best among bowlers. Moreover, he tally of six five-wicket hauls is also most for any bowler in the season. Nabi’s recent performance in the semi-final, also helped him complete 150 wickets in First-Class cricket. The pacer has now completed 151 wickets in 40 matches and also boasts of 15 five-wicket hauls in FC cricket.
Recalling his Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season so far, Nabi was also the star performer in J&K’s quarter-final match against Madhya Pradesh. He clocked figures of 7/40 and 5/70 in the game. Moreover, his 12/110 helped his register the second best match figures in the season after Jharkhand spinner Anukul Roy, who finished with figures of 13/90 against Nagaland.
As a result, Nabi with his recent efforts will definitely be in the eyes of the Indian selection committee, but faces a tough competition with several pacers who are way ahead of him. Although, with the Indian team next set to face Afghanistan in June, followed by a tour of England in July 2026, Nabi could get a call-up in place of Harshit Rana, who is struggling with injury and has also failed t perform in the recent past.
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 |
