Auqib Nabi Dar Shines in Ranji Trophy, Eyes Spot in India's Test Squad

Auqib Nabi Dar has emerged as a leading figure in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26, taking 60 wickets and helping Jammu & Kashmir reach their first final. His impressive performances have drawn attention from cricket legends, advocating for his inclusion in India's Test squad. With a history of consistent performances and all-round capabilities, Auqib is not only a formidable bowler but also a valuable lower-order batsman. As the cricketing world watches closely, his journey could lead him to represent India in upcoming Test series, making him a player to watch in the future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 21:33 IST

Auqib Nabi Dar's Stellar Performance in Ranji Trophy 2025/26

Jammu & Kashmir's pacer, Auqib Nabi Dar, has emerged as a standout player in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26, leading the tournament with an impressive tally of 60 wickets. His remarkable skills in swing bowling, adaptability, and lower-order batting have positioned him as a strong candidate for inclusion in India's Test team.

Key Contributions in the Final

In the final match against Karnataka, which is set to conclude on February 28, Auqib showcased his bowling prowess by taking five wickets for 54 runs at an economy rate of 2.30 over 23 overs. His exceptional performance helped Jammu & Kashmir secure a significant first-innings lead, bringing them closer to their first Ranji Trophy victory.

Praise from Cricket Legends

Former Indian cricketers, Sourav Ganguly and Dinesh Karthik, have lauded Auqib's performance, advocating for his selection in the national squad. Ganguly suggested he be considered for the upcoming white-ball tour of England, while Karthik emphasized his potential role in the Test lineup.

Consistent Track Record

Auqib's journey in the Ranji Trophy has been impressive, with a breakout season in 2024/25 where he took 44 wickets in just 8 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker that season. This marked a significant improvement from his previous three seasons, where he accumulated 44 wickets over 22 matches.

Historic Achievements

During the Duldeep Trophy 2024/25, Auqib made history by becoming the first bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive balls. His performance in the quarterfinals and semifinals, where he claimed 21 wickets, further demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.

Bowling Skills and Adaptability

Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate sharp bounce, Auqib has been a formidable opponent for batters. His versatility in switching between outswing and inswing makes him a challenging bowler to face, enhancing India's bowling attack with depth and unpredictability.

Potential Replacement for Mohammed Shami

With the BCCI selectors moving on from Mohammed Shami, Auqib Nabi Dar could fill the gap as a seasoned swing bowler. His consistent domestic performances and ability to swing the ball make him a suitable replacement, bringing experience and control to India's pace attack.

Technical Comparisons

Jammu and Kashmir's bowling coach, P. Krishnakumar, has noted similarities between Auqib's bowling action and that of Shami, highlighting his effective seam alignment and swing generation, which could make him a reliable option for India's red-ball cricket.

Performance Under Varying Conditions

Throughout the Ranji Trophy season, Auqib has demonstrated adaptability in his bowling, adjusting his line and length based on pitch conditions. His performance in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh, where he took 12 wickets, exemplifies his ability to thrive in challenging scenarios.

All-Rounder Capabilities

Beyond his bowling skills, Auqib is also an all-rounder, contributing valuable runs in the lower order. His unbeaten 114 in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Hyderabad showcased his ability to rescue innings under pressure. In the current Ranji Trophy season, he has scored 245 runs, including two fifties, further solidifying his position as a complete package for the national team.