Dinesh Karthik Hails Auqib Nabi's Dominance in Ranji Trophy 2025-26

Karthik Praises Nabi's Stellar Performance

In New Delhi, former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has expressed admiration for Auqib Nabi, a pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, for his remarkable showing in the ongoing 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. Karthik described Nabi's performance as one of the most impressive by a fast bowler in recent domestic cricket history.

Taking to social media platform X, Karthik encouraged young cricketers to take inspiration from Nabi's journey, suggesting that his approach serves as a model for those aspiring to join the national team.

Karthik stated, "Observing this Ranji Trophy season closely, I can confidently say to all young players aiming to represent the country—follow the AQUIB NABI way."

The cricketer-turned-commentator noted that he couldn't recall any pacer in recent times who has dominated the tournament as Nabi has, emphasizing his consistent performance throughout.

He remarked, "I can't think of any player in a long time who has achieved what he has. His domination from start to finish has been pivotal in winning this crucial domestic tournament that serves as a gateway to the national side."

Karthik highlighted Nabi's fitness and ability to perform consistently across various conditions during the tournament, praising his endurance and determination.

He added, "His fitness throughout the campaign, bowling long spells in different weather and pitch conditions, has been commendable. He has always been ready to strike for his team whenever he had the ball."

Karthik referred to Nabi as an "absolute champion," expressing hope for his continued success and encouraging him to serve as an example of how to break into the national team through hard work and resilience.

Nabi has played a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir's strong performance this season, consistently delivering impactful spells regardless of the pitch conditions, whether they favored seamers or were flat for batting.

Currently, Nabi stands as the second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, having taken 58 wickets in 10 matches and 17 innings, with an impressive average of 12.62. His achievements include two four-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls.

In the final match, Jammu and Kashmir, making their first appearance in the finals, are in a strong position against Karnataka, who have won the tournament eight times, as Day 3 concludes at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.

In their first innings, Jammu and Kashmir scored 584 runs in 173.1 overs, led by Shubham Pundir's outstanding century of 121 runs off 247 balls, which included 12 fours and two sixes.

Karnataka's Prasidh Krishna took five wickets, finishing with figures of 5/98 in 34.1 overs. Other bowlers, including Vidyadhar Patil, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Shreyas Gopal, and Shikhar Shetty, each claimed one wicket.

In response, Karnataka reached 220/5 in 69 overs at stumps on Day 3, with Mayank Agarwal remaining unbeaten on 130 runs off 207 balls, hitting 17 fours. Other Karnataka batsmen struggled to convert their starts, with KL Rahul scoring 13, captain Devdutt Padikkal 11, and both Karun Nair and Smaran Ravichandran dismissed for zero.

Earlier in the match, Jammu and Kashmir had posted 284/2 on Day 1, with Pundir scoring a century and Yawer Hassan contributing 88 runs. On Day 2, they extended their total to 527/6 before play was halted due to bad light.