SRINAGAR: Auqib Nabi’s journey from playing tennis-ball cricket in Baramulla to becoming Jammu and Kashmir’s leading wicket-taker this season has been remarkable. The 28-year-old pacer has surpassed Parvez Rasool’s record, taking 43 wickets and cementing his place as the team’s bowling spearhead in the Ranji Trophy.
Jammu and Kashmir’s pace bowler has been in exceptional form in the Ranji Trophy this season, claiming 43 wickets—the most by any pacer so far. After going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, where his name was not even called, he appears to have turned his focus entirely to domestic cricket, delivering standout performances. On Sunday, Auqib Nabi tore through Kerala’s top order with a brilliant spell. He struck early by dismissing Rohan Kunnummal before sending Shoun Roger back for a duck. He then bowled Kerala captain Sachin Baby, who managed only two runs. Later, the experienced Jalaj Saxena, who had been solid at the crease with 67 runs, also fell to Auqib—a crucial breakthrough for Jammu and Kashmir. He capped off his stellar day by claiming his fifth wicket on the final delivery, dismissing Basil Thampi.
Nabi, who idolises Dale Steyn, has been instrumental in J&K’s resurgence, helping the team reach the quarter-finals for only the third time in its history. His latest five-wicket haul against Kerala, which included the dismissal of key batters like Jalaj Saxena and Sachin Baby, underscored his ability to deliver under pressure. His season tally now stands at 43 wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Despite early struggles, including limited facilities and being overlooked by IPL teams, Nabi has persevered. “There are struggles, but I won’t talk about them. Playing red-ball cricket was a dream. Right now, Ranji is my biggest stage,” he said. His silent yet lethal approach and a knack for swinging the ball both ways have made him a formidable force.
His contributions with the bat have also been crucial. Coming in at No. 10 against Kerala, he played a quickfire knock of 32 off 30 balls, helping J&K post a competitive total. This blend of resilience and aggression has defined his career, from scoring a century in his Under-19 days to now spearheading J&K’s bowling attack.
Nabi’s father, a school teacher, once urged him to focus on academics, but his son’s unwavering commitment to cricket changed his perspective. “The day he scored a hundred against Saurashtra, the media came home, and my father told them—Mera beta India khelke aayega (My son will play for India),” Nabi recalled.
As J&K prepares for the knockouts, Nabi remains focused on the basics. “The simpler you keep things, the better it is,” he said, unfazed by the pressure of big games. With his blend of skill, perseverance, and quiet confidence, Auqib Nabi is not just rewriting records—he is shaping the future of J&K cricket.
