Auqib Nabi's 60 Wickets Win Jammu & Kashmir First Ranji Trophy Title

Auqib Nabi took 60 wickets this season, which is the third most for any bowler in the Ranji Trophy's 92-year history. This is a huge achievement for Jammu & Kashmir cricket.
By Newsroom | Cricket, India |

Jammu & Kashmir's bowlers, spearheaded by Auqib Nabi, have secured the team's first-ever Ranji Trophy, marking a significant moment in the region's sporting narrative. Nabi's individual performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary, placing him among the top bowlers in Indian domestic cricket history.

Nabi concluded the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season with 60 wickets at an average of 12.56, a feat that places him third among pacers in the tournament's 92-year history for wickets in a single season. His tally of 95 wickets across the last two Ranji seasons also ranks as the sixth-most for any bowler in a single season in India, across all formats. He is the first bowler from Jammu & Kashmir to lead the bowling charts in a Ranji season.

The Auqib Nabi supremacy: what worked in Ranji — and will it in Tests? - 1

All-Round Prowess and Recognition

Beyond his wicket-taking exploits, Nabi has demonstrated a broader capability. He scored his maiden first-class century, an unbeaten 114, while batting at number 8 in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match, underscoring his all-round contributions. His consistent ability to take multiple wickets in an innings, with 13 five-wicket hauls across his last 18 Ranji matches, has been a defining feature of his season. This performance has earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' award.

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Test Squad Speculation

The impressive numbers and crucial performances have ignited discussions about Nabi's potential inclusion in the Indian Test squad. Former India cricketers, including Sourav Ganguly and Dinesh Karthik, have publicly endorsed him for a Test call-up, with Ganguly reportedly urging selectors to consider him for upcoming series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. His ability to dismiss experienced batters, as seen in the Ranji final against Karnataka where he took wickets of players like KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Mayank Agarwal, has been highlighted as evidence of his readiness for higher levels.

The Auqib Nabi supremacy: what worked in Ranji — and will it in Tests? - 3

Team Effort and Background

The historic triumph for Jammu & Kashmir was a collective effort, with multiple players contributing significantly. Centuries from Shubham Pundir and impactful half-centuries from Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad, Paras Dogra, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, and Sahil Lotra provided the team with a substantial first-innings total in the final. Captain Paras Dogra also reached a personal milestone, becoming the second player to score 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs.

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The development of Jammu & Kashmir cricket has seen support from a BCCI-appointed sub-committee overseeing the region's cricket for four years, with Manhas being a notable figure in this structure. The rise of Nabi, hailing from Baramulla, is seen by some, like Parvez Rasool, as providing a "new sporting identity" for Jammu & Kashmir. Nabi himself emphasizes a simple approach to his bowling, focusing on his wrist position to generate movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Auqib Nabi perform in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season?
Auqib Nabi took 60 wickets in the season at an average of 12.56. This is the third highest number of wickets for a fast bowler in the tournament's history and the first time a bowler from Jammu & Kashmir has led the charts.
Q: Did Auqib Nabi also perform well with the bat?
Yes, Nabi scored his first first-class century, an unbeaten 114, while batting at number 8 in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match. He also took 13 five-wicket hauls in his last 18 Ranji matches.
Q: Why are people talking about Auqib Nabi playing for the Indian Test team?
Because of his amazing performance, former Indian cricketers like Sourav Ganguly and Dinesh Karthik believe he should be selected for the Indian Test squad. He took wickets of well-known players like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal in the Ranji final.
Q: What was the team effort behind Jammu & Kashmir's Ranji Trophy win?
It was a team effort. Shubham Pundir scored a century, and other players like Yawer Hassan and Abdul Samad scored important runs. Captain Paras Dogra also became the second player to score 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs.
Q: What does this win mean for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir?
This is the first time Jammu & Kashmir has won the Ranji Trophy, which is a historic moment for the region's sports. Some believe Nabi's success will give the region a new sporting identity.