Dinesh Karthik Applauds Auqib Nabi's Stellar Ranji Trophy Season
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has publicly commended Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi for his outstanding display in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, asserting that his campaign distinctly shines among recent fast-bowling endeavors in domestic cricket.
Karthik's Social Media Endorsement
Taking to social media platform X, Karthik encouraged aspiring cricketers to adopt Nabi's methodology if they harbor ambitions of representing India on the international stage. "Watching this Ranji Trophy campaign and following it closely, one thing I can say for certain, for all the young boys and girls out there playing this sport and wanting to represent the country -- do it the AQUIB NABI way," Karthik emphasized in his post.
Karthik expressed that he struggles to recall a pace bowler in recent memory who has dominated a season with such authority and consistency. "Can't think of any pacer/player in a long time doing what he's done. Domination from start to end and almost single-handedly winning the domestic tournament that matters the most to get into the national side," he elaborated.
Highlighting Nabi's Fitness and Consistency
Furthermore, Karthik underscored Nabi's remarkable endurance and unwavering performance across diverse playing conditions. "Fitness across the whole campaign, bowling those long spells and across different soils, weather conditions, and whether there's been any help for a pacer or not, he's been there for his team with the belief every time he's had the ball to STRIKE for his team," Karthik noted.
Praising the pacer's mental fortitude, Karthik added, "Hats off to you AQUIB, you're an absolute champion and hope you get a lot of success that comes your way, and may you be the lesson on. How it's done to break the doors through sheer will power, skill, and resilience."
Nabi's Impressive Statistics and Team Contribution
Auqib Nabi has been instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir's successful run this season, delivering impactful performances on various pitch types. He currently ranks as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, having secured 58 wickets in 10 matches across 17 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 12.62.
His wicket tally includes:
- Two four-wicket hauls
- Six five-wicket hauls
Ranji Trophy Final Update
In related developments, Jammu and Kashmir held a commanding position against eight-time champions Karnataka at the conclusion of Day 3 in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.
Jammu and Kashmir posted a substantial first-innings total of 584 runs in 173.1 overs. Shubham Pundir contributed significantly with 121 runs off 247 deliveries, featuring 12 boundaries and two sixes. For Karnataka, Prasidh Krishna led the bowling attack with figures of 5/98 in 34.1 overs, supported by Vidyadhar Patil (1/116), Vijaykumar Vyshak (1/75), Shreyas Gopal (1/139), and Shikhar Shetty (1/125), each claiming one wicket.
In response, Karnataka reached 220/5 in 69 overs by stumps on Day 3. Mayank Agarwal remained unbeaten on 130 off 207 balls, striking 17 fours. However, other key batsmen including KL Rahul (13 off 39 balls), captain Devdutt Padikkal (11 off 10 balls), Karun Nair (0), Smaran Ravichandran (0), and Shreyas Gopal (27 off 83 balls) failed to capitalize on their starts.
