Hubli (Karnataka), Feb 27 (UNI) Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has heaped praise on Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for his stellar Ranji Trophy campaign, saying the right-arm pacer is knocking on the doors of the national team and could begin his international journey in England this summer.
Ganguly also applauded Jammu and Kashmir’s inspiring run in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, where they are putting up a spirited performance against eight-time champions Karnataka in their maiden final appearance.
Auqib led the Jammu and Kashmir bowling attack with outstanding figures of 5/54, bundling out Karnataka for 293 in reply to J&K’s formidable first-innings total of 584 in the Ranji Trophy title clash.
By stumps on the penultimate day of the five-day contest at the Hubli Cricket Ground, J&K had moved firmly into command, reaching 186/4 in their second innings and extending their overall lead to a massive 477 runs, inching closer to a historic maiden crown
“J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do. They have made that region so proud of them. Tough environment makes tough people. Aqib Nabi on his way to national colours… England is the place to start in the summer,” Ganguly wrote on social media, tagging the BCCI and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
India are scheduled to tour England in July for five T20Is and three ODIs, a key assignment in the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Ganguly believes Auqib should be part of that squad.
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik also lavished praise on Auqib for his remarkable consistency throughout the tournament.
Karthik highlighted the pacer’s determination, noting that Auqib featured in every match this season, adapted to varying conditions and has taken 60 wickets so far.
“Watching this Ranji Trophy campaign and following it closely, one thing I can say for certain, for all the young boys and girls out there playing this sport and wanting to represent the country, do it the AAQIB NABI way. Can’t think of any pacer/player in a long time doing what he’s done,” he wrote on social media.
Karthik also feels that Aaqib’s focus and hard work in the domestic league can take him to the national team. He also said that Aaqib is a champion and sent his best regards for the future.
“Domination from start to end and almost single-handedly winning the domestic tournament that matters the most to get into the national side,” he wrote.
“Fitness across the whole campaign, bowling those long spells and across different soils and weather conditions and whether there’s been any help for a pacer or not, he’s been there for his team with the belief every time he’s had the ball to STRIKE for his team.
“Hats off to you, AAQIB, you’re an absolute champion and hope you get a lot of success that comes your way and may you be the lesson on how it’s done to break the doors through sheer will power, skill and resilience,” he added.
Brief scores (stumps, Day 4): Jammu & Kashmir 584 all out & 186/4 in 57 overs (Qamran Iqbal 94 not out, Abdul Samad 32, Sahil Lotra 16 not out; Prasidh Krishna 2-42) lead Karnataka 293 all out in 93.3 overs (Mayank Agarwal 160, Kruthik Krishna 36; Auqib Nabi Dar 5-54, Sushil Kumar 2-51, Yudhwir Singh Charak 2-55) by 477 runs
