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J&K Pacer Aquib Nabi Eyes India Debut After Stellar Ranji Trophy Campaign

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Aquib Nabi, instrumental in his team's historic first Ranji Trophy title win, feels prepared for an India debut but leaves the decision to selectors. Named Player of the Tournament, he took 60 wickets at an average of 12.56, delivering crucial performances in the knockout stages. Nabi emphasized the team's collective effort and self-belief over four years leading to their landmark victory. He now looks forward to J&K's Irani Cup debut and hopes their success inspires the region's sporting culture.

Key Points: Aquib Nabi Ready for India Call-Up After Ranji Trophy Heroics

  • Player of the Tournament with 60 wickets
  • Led J&K to maiden Ranji Trophy title
  • Ready for India selection but focused on present
  • Historic win to boost J&K cricket
  • Eyes Irani Cup debut against Rest of India
3 min read

J&K pacer Aquib Nabi feels "ready" for India debut following memorable Ranji campaign, but "not thinking about it a lot"

J&K pacer Aquib Nabi, Player of the Ranji Tournament, feels ready for an India debut but remains focused on hard work. Read his inspiring journey.

"I think I am ready (for India debut). But I am not thinking about it a lot. - Aquib Nabi"

Jammu, March 8

Following his side's maiden Ranji Trophy title win, pacer Aquib Nabi Dar reflected on getting a Team India cap, saying that while he feels ready for it, it is upto selectors to take that call while he has to continue putting in the hard work.

Aquib was among the players felicitated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh for their recent Ranji Trophy win, a landmark moment in J&K cricket as it marks their first-ever Ranji title win.

Speaking to ANI, Nabi said, "I think I am ready (for India debut). But I am not thinking about it a lot. It is the selector's call to pick me. My duty is to work hard and focus on the present. I dream of representing India, will keep working hard for it. It is everyone's dream to play and win matches for India."

The ultimate clutch-man for his side, Aquib ended up as the 'Player of the Tournament' with 60 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.56, including two four-fers and seven five-fors and best figures of 7/24.

The 29-year-old, who gained nationwide fame with 44 wickets in just eight games, including six five-fors last season, upped the ante during the knockout stages. Be it the 12-fer in the quarterfinal against ex-champions Madhya Pradesh, or the nine wickets against two-time champions Bengal in semifinals or his five-for in the title clash, Nabi performed higher than already sky-high expectations, with several India/IPL/domestic stars like Rajat Patidar, Venkatesh Iyer, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Mayank Agarwal a part of his wicket tally.

Speaking on his side's Ranji Trophy win, he termed it as a win where everyone contributed and expressed excitement for his side's Irani Cup debut, which will witness them play a star-studded 'Rest of India' line-up. He also spoke on the team's self-belief that they could win the title.

"This win was important for us. Everyone put in hard work. Everyone had their contribution in this win as we had been working for this and playing together as a bunch for the last four years. We all had this self-belief that we could win. We are playing the Irani Trophy this time around against the Rest of India. It is historic for us. We hope that this win has inspired people and will help in developing sports and cricket culture for J&K," he said.

On India's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand taking place at Ahmedabad today, Aquib said, "Both sides are strong, hopefully we will win. We have been playing good cricket. There have been different match-winners for us, with different Player of the Match winners in almost every game. Everyone has been contributing."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
I love his attitude. "Not thinking about it a lot" and focusing on hard work is the right mindset. So many young players get distracted by hype. Hope he gets his well-deserved India cap soon. The Irani Cup will be a great test against the best.
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Arjun K
This is fantastic for J&K cricket! For years, talent has come from the region but a team title was missing. Nabi's journey can inspire so many kids in the valley to take up sports. The government should ensure proper infrastructure continues to develop there.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while his numbers are brilliant, he's already 29. The selectors might look at younger pacers for a long-term plan. He should be in the A-team setup first to prove himself against international quality batting. No doubt he's a champion performer in Ranji though.
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Priya S
His wicket tally includes some big names like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. That shows he can perform against top batsmen. The clutch performances in knockouts are what separate good players from great ones. All the best for the Irani Trophy! 🤞
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Michael C
As a cricket fan, stories like this are why I love the Ranji Trophy. It unearths such gems from every corner of India. The national team's bench strength is built on the back of such performances. Hope he gets an IPL contract too.

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