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