Ranji Trophy hero Auqib Nabi boosts Test call-up chances: Where can India fit J&K star?

Auqib Nabi shines [Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/X.com]

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has become one of the most talked names in Indian domestic cricket and his performances in the recent Ranji Trophy have reignited the debate about India’s need for a genuine seam-bowling all-rounder in Test cricket.

Notably, in J&K’s emphatic innings-and-41-run victory over Rajasthan at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, Nabi delivered a match-winning performance, taking 10 wickets for 72 runs and scoring a crucial half-century. His 7/24 in the second innings dismantled Rajasthan in just 11 overs, sealing the game inside three days. This came soon after his impactful showing against Mumbai, where he bagged 7 wickets and scored 58 runs.

Auqib Nabi's stellar performances in domestic cricket

At 28, Nabi’s domestic career stats shows both maturity and reliability. Across 54 innings, he has taken 113 wickets at an economy of 2.93, including 11 five-wicket hauls, a remarkable return given the flat pitches often used in Indian domestic cricket. 

[Auqib Nabi's bowling performance in First Class cricket]

With the bat, his 837 runs in 47 innings and a healthy lower-order strike rate show that he is not just a tail-ender swinging wildly but a composed contributor at positions 7 and 8.

In the recent 2025 Duleep Trophy, he continued to impress, claiming 6 wickets and adding 52 runs in two innings. What sets Nabi apart is his ability to maintain control with the ball while contributing meaningful runs.

India might find a seam-bowling all-rounder after Pandya

Since Hardik Pandya’s absence from Test cricket, India have struggled to find a seam-bowling all-rounder capable of offering both penetration and batting depth. Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has shown potential with the bat, scoring 386 runs in nine matches, but his bowling returns, 8 wickets and injury concerns have limited his effectiveness. His pace, hovering around 125 km/h, often lacks the bite needed in longer formats.

[Nitish Kumar Reddy's bowling stats in Tests]

Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur, at 34, remains the only other seam-bowling all-rounder in contention, but his form has been inconsistent.

Where could he fit in India's Test plans?

Notably, this opens a realistic door for Auqib Nabi. The 28-year-old offers the bowling depth India often misses on overseas tours and provides lower-order resilience, a combination India has been craving since the 2021 England series. If selectors reward domestic performance over reputation, Auqib Nabi ould be the next big name to bring balance and bite to India’s Test side.

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