Jammu & Kashmir's Historic Ranji Final Hinges on Auqib Nabi's Stellar Form
As Jammu and Kashmir gear up for their maiden Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka in Hubbali, fast-bowling spearhead Auqib Nabi stands as the calmest presence in a dressing room buzzing with anticipation. The pacer from Sheeri village in Baramulla has been the driving force behind J&K's dream run this season, and when they step onto the field on Tuesday, expectations will once again rest squarely on his shoulders.
Record-Breaking Season and Skill Evolution
Nabi has taken an impressive 55 wickets from nine matches this season, the second-highest tally in the tournament, at a remarkable average of 12.72. Bowling coach P. Krishnakumar reflected on the shy pacer's transformation into a dominant force, noting his overall record of 199 wickets in 40 games. "I have been with him for the last three years, and he has taken 99 wickets in the past two seasons alone. This season, he's already crossed 50 wickets, showing his skill level has ascended to new heights," Krishnakumar told IANS.
He emphasized that Nabi's development was not instantaneous but the result of dedicated effort. "It took almost a year to refine his abilities. In the first year of our work together, he bowled thousands of balls to master his wrist position, backspin, and movement on various pitches. This process has made him versatile against different batters," the coach added.
Perfect Action and All-Round Impact
A fan of legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn, Nabi made his Ranji debut in 2020 but has flourished significantly in recent seasons. Krishnakumar credited his bowling action as the foundation of his success. "From a biomechanical perspective, his action is perfect. Combined with his swing and seam movement, it becomes extremely challenging for batters to score against him," he explained.
Nabi's all-round impact was highlighted in the semi-final against Bengal, where he claimed a nine-wicket haul and contributed a crucial 42 runs with the bat. He also delivered career-best figures of 7-24 against Rajasthan and played key roles in other matches, such as against Delhi.
Call for National Recognition and Final Focus
Krishnakumar strongly advocated for Nabi's inclusion in the national team, citing his consistent performances. "Taking almost 100 wickets in two years is unbelievable. As a coach, I believe he deserves a chance when performing at this level. If someone excels domestically, they should definitely be considered for the Test squad," he asserted.
As J&K faces Karnataka's star-studded batting line-up in the final, Krishnakumar expressed confidence in Nabi's composure. "The best part about Nabi is his calm mind. Whether he takes a six-wicket haul or faces pressure, he remains the same, which is crucial for high-stakes matches," he noted.
For Nabi, who once trained without proper facilities, this final represents another milestone in an extraordinary journey. His focus remains unwavering: to deliver glory for Jammu and Kashmir in their historic Ranji Trophy campaign.
