Aquib Nabi Dar Eyes Team India Call-Up After Historic Ranji Trophy Win

Pacer Aquib Nabi Dar is eager for a call-up to the Indian national team following his pivotal role in securing the Ranji Trophy for Jammu & Kashmir. He reflects on his performance, which earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' title, and expresses excitement for the upcoming Irani Cup. With the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand on the horizon, Aquib shares his confidence in the team's capabilities. His journey highlights the hard work and dedication that have led to this historic moment in J&K cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 8, 2026, 19:01 IST

Prepared for India Debut

After his team's historic victory in the Ranji Trophy, pacer Aquib Nabi Dar expressed his readiness for a potential call-up to the Indian national team. He acknowledged that while he feels prepared, the final decision rests with the selectors. Aquib emphasized the importance of hard work and staying focused on the present. He stated, "I believe I am ready for the India debut, but I am not overly fixated on it. It is up to the selectors to make that choice. My responsibility is to keep working hard and aim for my dream of representing India, as it is a dream for every player to compete and win for the country."

Outstanding 'Player of the Tournament' Achievement

Aquib was named 'Player of the Tournament' after taking 60 wickets in 10 matches, boasting an impressive average of 12.56. His performance included two four-wicket hauls and seven five-wicket hauls, with his best figures being 7/24. The 29-year-old gained significant recognition last season with 44 wickets in just eight matches, including six five-wicket hauls. He excelled during the knockout rounds, achieving a remarkable 12 wickets in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh and nine wickets in the semifinal against Bengal, along with a five-wicket haul in the final. His wicket tally included several prominent players from India and the IPL.

Significant Win and Team Confidence

Reflecting on his team's Ranji Trophy triumph, Aquib highlighted the collective effort that led to their success. He expressed enthusiasm for their upcoming Irani Cup debut against a formidable 'Rest of India' team. He noted the team's unwavering belief in their ability to win, stating, "This victory was crucial for us. Everyone contributed, and we have been working together for the past four years. We all believed we could achieve this. Competing in the Irani Trophy against the Rest of India is historic for us. We hope this win inspires others and fosters a stronger sports and cricket culture in J&K."

Thoughts on T20 World Cup Final

Regarding the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand taking place in Ahmedabad, Aquib remarked, "Both teams are strong, and I hope we secure a victory. Our team has been performing well, with various players stepping up as match-winners in nearly every game. Everyone has played a vital role in our success."