Strong Ranji Trophy showings put J&K fast bowler Auqib Nabi in contention for a surprise India Test squad call-up.
Remember the name — Auqib Nabi, the right-arm medium pacer from Jammu & Kashmir. He made headlines with a sensational match haul of 12 for 110 in the quarter-final against Madhya Pradesh in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy. His exploits with the ball powered J&K past MP and propelled them into their maiden Ranji Trophy semi-final.
He is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, with 46 wickets at an average of 12.54 across 14 innings. Notably, he is the only pacer to feature in the top five wicket-takers’ list this season. He had also finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the previous Ranji season, claiming 44 wickets at an average of 13.93 from 15 innings.
Highly rated within cricketing circles, his rise culminated in a lucrative IPL contract with Delhi Capitals, worth INR 8.40 crore, at the 2026 IPL auction. Overall, Nabi has picked up 142 wickets at an average of 18.94 in 39 First-Class matches, including 15 four-wicket hauls and four 10-wicket match hauls.
Considering his consistency over the past two Ranji seasons, Nabi is firmly knocking on the selectors’ door for a Test call-up.
A closer look at his 12-wicket match haul against Madhya Pradesh underlines his readiness for the demands of Test cricket. In the first innings, after J&K were bowled out for a below-par 194, Nabi returned figures of 7 for 40 to dismiss MP for 152 and secure a crucial 42-run lead. In the final innings, defending 291, he followed it up with 5 for 70 to bowl MP out for 234, sealing a 56-run victory for J&K.
Read More: Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Relative underdogs Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, J&K reach quarter-finals
Findings from Nabi’s bowling in Ranji quarter-final
Nabi’s performance in the Ranji quarter-final offered valuable insight into his skill set and temperament. He bowled a tight line and length, consistently keeping batters unsure whether to come forward or stay back, which often resulted in edges or LBW dismissals.
He also hit the deck hard, extracting more bounce than expected and drawing faint touches off the bat or gloves through to the wicketkeeper. In addition, Nabi showcased his ability to swing the ball both ways, further underlining his effectiveness with the red ball.
Should India gamble on Nabi for Tests?
Considering India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, it makes sense to give Nabi an opportunity in the five-day format — not only to build reserve bench strength but also to assess his ability to perform at the highest level. His sustained consistency has kept the selectors on high alert, and he would stand as a strong contender ahead of several others in the Test pecking order.
Nabi’s performances at home, particularly on dust bowls, have left many in awe and served as a source of inspiration. With India’s current World Test Championship cycle nearing its end, the Gautam Gambhir-led side would do well to identify and nurture talents like Nabi, preparing them for the next WTC cycle.
Sumptuous Seven 🔥
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 8, 2026
Watch 📽️
Rampant Auqib Nabi's skillful spell of 7/40 against Madhya Pradesh that helped his team take a crucial first-innings lead 👌
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