3 major reasons why Auqib Nabi deserves a place in Indian Test team
Jammu & Kashmir player Auqib Nabi was adjudged POTM in the semi-final 2 against Bengal in Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
Jammu & Kashmir have secured their place in the final of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 by crushing Bengal by six wickets in the semi-final 2. They have scripted history by making it to the final of the domestic first-class tournament for the first time.
Bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi played a pivotal role in propelling Jammu & Kashmir to victory in the nail-biting clash. He picked nine wickets in the encounter- a five-wicket haul in 1st innings and a four-wicket haul in 2nd innings- to win the Player of the Match award. He also scored 42 runs in the only innings he batted.
Due to Nabi’s spectacular show, Bengal pacer Mohammed Shami’s eight-wicket haul in the first innings went in vain. J&K won the encounter to shock Bengal, making a stunning comeback in the second innings.
Following Auqib Nabi’s heroics in semi-final 2, below are the three major reasons why he deserves a spot in the Indian test team.
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3. Impressive Show in Ranji Trophy 2025-26
The 29-year-old not only made a splash in the semi-final against Bengal but also showed excellent form in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
Nabi is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 55 wickets in 9 games at an outstanding average of 12.72. With six five-wicket hauls with a best bowling show of 7/24, he has been a spectacular pacer in the tournament.
2. Consistent Form in First-Class Cricket
Auqib has held a wonderful record in first-class cricket since his debut in 2020. Across 66 innings in 40 matches, he has clinched 151 wickets at an average of 18.62. This comprises 15 five-wicket hauls and four 10-wicket hauls, including a 12-wicket haul in one encounter.
With the bat, he has mustered 967 runs in 55 innings averaging 19.34 with two half-centuries. Therefore, due to his consistency, he should definitely get a chance in the Indian Test team.
1. India need a skilled seam all-rounder
India have introduced a few seam all-rounders in the test team, but none of them has cemented a place so far. In the current squad, Nitish Kumar Reddy is an emerging seam all-rounder in tests. However, his bowling woes are a major concern for the Indian team.
In such a scenario, India need to develop more such all-rounders to strengthen their test team in the near future. Nabi is a promising all-rounder for India following his heroics in the Ranji Trophy.
Auqib Nabi plays for which team in Indian domestic cricket?
Auqib Nabi plays for Jammu & Kashmir in Indian domestic cricket.
Who was Player of the Match in semi-final 2 of Ranji Trophy 2025-26 between Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir?
Auqib Nabi was Player of the Match in the encounter. He picked nine wickets in the clash, which Jammu & Kashmir won by six wickets.
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