Sourav Ganguly Demands India Call-Up for Auqib Nabi After Ranji Trophy Final Heroics
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors to fast-track Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi into the national squad. Ganguly’s endorsement follows Nabi’s match-defining spell in the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.
Nabi delivered a commanding performance on Friday, claiming figures of 5/54 in 23 overs. His spell dismantled the Karnataka batting lineup, restricting them to 293 runs and handing Jammu & Kashmir a massive first-innings lead of 291 runs. With the first-innings lead securing the title in the event of a draw, Nabi’s effort has placed J&K on the brink of their maiden Ranji Trophy championship.
Ganguly: “England is the Place to Start”
Ganguly, known for backing young talent during his tenure as captain and BCCI President, took to X (formerly Twitter) to advocate for Nabi’s inclusion in the upcoming white-ball tour of England. India is scheduled to play five T20Is and three ODIs in England in July 2026, a series considered vital for the 2027 ODI World Cup preparations in South Africa.
“J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do. They have made that region so proud of them,” Ganguly wrote. “Tough environment makes tough people. Auqib Nabi on his way to national colors. England is the place to start in the summer.”
For official series schedules and domestic updates, visit the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official website.
Statistical Domination: The 60-Wicket Season
Nabi’s performance in the final was not an isolated incident but the culmination of a record-breaking season. The pacer sits atop the wicket-taking charts for the current Ranji Trophy edition, showcasing elite consistency and stamina.
Auqib Nabi: 2025-26 Ranji Trophy Season Stats
| Matches Played | Total Wickets | Bowling Average | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 60 | 12.56 | 7 |
Taking 60 wickets at an average of 12.56 places Nabi among the most dominant domestic pacers in recent history. His ability to strike regularly has been the primary driver of Jammu & Kashmir’s historic run to the final.
Dinesh Karthik Praises Resilience and Fitness
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik also highlighted Nabi’s physical conditioning and tactical execution. Karthik noted that Nabi featured in every match of the campaign, bowling long spells across diverse soil types and weather conditions.
“Domination from start to end and almost single-handedly winning the domestic tournament that matters the most to get into the national side,” Karthik posted on X. “Can’t think of any pacer in a long time doing what he’s done. 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.”
Karthik emphasized that Nabi’s success serves as a blueprint for aspiring cricketers. “Do it the Auqib Nabi way… Break the doors through sheer will power, skill, and resilience.”
Match Situation: J&K Poised for History
With only a few sessions remaining in the final, the match is heading toward a draw. Under Ranji Trophy regulations, the team with the first-innings lead is declared the winner in a drawn knockout match. Thanks to Nabi’s five-wicket haul and the resulting 291-run lead, Jammu and Kashmir effectively have one hand on the trophy.
Fans can track player rankings and future tour commitments on the International Cricket Council (ICC) website or follow detailed match statistics on ESPNcricinfo.