For years, Auqib Nabi worked quietly on his game, waiting for the opportunity to represent India. After dominating the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season and helping Jammu and Kashmir win their first-ever title, the star pacer finally received the call he had been hoping for.
Auqib Nabi has been selected for India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, earning his first call-up to the senior national team.
Auqib Nabi finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, taking an impressive 60 wickets. His performances played a major role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy title. Across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, Auqib Nabi has taken 104 wickets, establishing himself as one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket.
Speaking in a BCCI video with Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi admitted that he had expected an India call-up after performing consistently over several seasons. However, he maintained that his primary responsibility as a cricketer was simply to keep performing and let the selectors make the decision. He said he believed that if he continued doing his job well, his hard work would eventually be rewarded.
Auqib Nabi’s remarkable form has made his selection difficult to ignore. His 60 wickets in the latest Ranji season were a major factor in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic title triumph.
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He also represented India A during their tour of Sri Lanka, taking six wickets in two first-class matches. That experience gave him another opportunity to perform in Sri Lankan conditions before his senior-team selection.
For Auqib Nabi, receiving an India call-up has been an emotional moment for his entire family. He said that every time he gets selected for a team, it brings happiness to his family and receiving his first senior India call-up was especially meaningful. His approach throughout his career has remained simple: focus on taking wickets and leave the rest to fate. After years of hard work, that mindset has now taken him to the doorstep of international cricket.
This selection could become even more special if Auqib Nabi makes his Test debut. If he takes the field for India in the upcoming series, he will become the first Test player from Jammu and Kashmir, creating a historic milestone for the region.
Auqib Nabi has been added to the Indian squad as a replacement for India’s leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. From taking 104 wickets across two Ranji Trophy seasons to helping Jammu and Kashmir win their first title and now earning an India call-up, Auqib Nabi’s rise has been remarkable.
The next chapter could be even bigger: a Test debut for India and a place in Jammu and Kashmir cricket history.
