Galle, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jammu and Kashmir seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi said he had hoped his outstanding Ranji Trophy performances would earn him an India call-up, but remained focused on taking wickets and delivering on the field as he waited for his opportunity.
Nabi claimed 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season and played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden title triumph. Despite finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, the 29-year-old was not immediately selected for the national team.
“Yes, I had expectations. But at the same time, a cricket player’s mindset should be there. Your job is to perform, and the rest will see. If not today, I will join the India team tomorrow,” Nabi said in a video released by the BCCI.
“You have been doing well for so many years. You have to reap the fruits of your hard work. I had the same mindset when I bowled. My job is to take wickets and perform. The rest is up to God,” he added.
His patience eventually paid off when he was named in India’s Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
The call-up came unexpectedly while Nabi was at an airport preparing to travel to Bengaluru for a camp.
“I was at the airport; we had to go to a camp. The flight was going to board in Bangalore, so I got a call asking where I was. I said, ‘Sir, I am going to Bangalore, I am at the airport.’ He said, ‘No, you don’t have to go there, you have to come to Sri Lanka, and you have been selected.’ At first, I couldn’t believe it; it was unexpected,” he recalled.
Nabi has taken 104 wickets across his last two Ranji Trophy seasons. His performances in the 2025-26 campaign were instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir winning their maiden Ranji title.
“I am very happy that I have been named Ranji Champion. My family is very happy. Nothing can be better than this for me,” he said.
His domestic exploits also earned him his maiden IPL contract with Delhi Capitals in 2026. He played five matches and subsequently represented India A on their Sri Lanka tour, taking six wickets in two four-day games as India A won the series 1-0.
Nabi had earlier been part of India’s national setup as a reserve net bowler during the one-off Test against Afghanistan. His latest selection, however, marks his first inclusion in the senior Test squad.
The all-rounder said entering the Indian dressing room was a special experience, particularly because he is now sharing the nets and dressing room with players he had previously watched on television.
“It was great. Sharing the dressing room with the people we see on TV and sharing the nets is a big deal for me,” he said.
India will begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on August 15.
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