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Shami's Stump-First Advice to Nabi After J-K's Historic Ranji Final Entry

Following Jammu & Kashmir's historic six-wicket victory over Bengal to reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, Indian pace veteran Mohammed Shami shared advice with the ecstatic J-K players. In a video shared by the BCCI, Shami specifically advised standout pacer Aquib Nabi to simplify his approach and focus solely on hitting the stumps. Nabi was instrumental in the win, claiming a nine-wicket match haul, while Shami himself had a brilliant campaign, taking 37 wickets including 8/90 in this semi-final. The victory was sealed by an unbeaten partnership from Vanshaj Sharma and Abdul Samad in the chase.

Key Points: Mohammed Shami Advises Aquib Nabi After J-K Reaches Ranji Final

  • J-K reaches first-ever Ranji Trophy final
  • Aquib Nabi takes 9 wickets in semi-final
  • Mohammed Shami shares bowling wisdom
  • Nabi is tournament's second-highest wicket-taker
  • Shami took 8/90 in the match for Bengal
3 min read

Mohammed Shami advises Aquib Nabi to "focus on stumps" after J-K reach Ranji Trophy final

Mohammed Shami advises J-K pacer Aquib Nabi to "focus on the stumps" following Jammu & Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy semi-final victory over Bengal.

"From your run-up, your focus should be on the stumps. Forget everything else. - Mohammed Shami"

New Delhi, February 20

Following Jammu and Kashmir's historic qualification for the Ranji Trophy final, Indian veteran pacer Mohammed Shami shared some tips, insights and memories with ecstatic J-K players, particularly batter Abdul Samad and pacer Aquib Nabi Dar.

Nabi's remarkable nine-wicket haul, which included a first-innings fifer and important batting contributions from skipper Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad, proved decisive as J-K defeated a star-studded, in-form Bengal unit at their own backyard by six wickets to march into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final a couple of days back.

In a video shared by the BCCI Domestic X handle, Shami was seen interacting with Jammu and Kashmir players post-match.

To Nabi, Shami offered focused advice on line and length, saying he should concentrate on hitting the stumps and "forget everything else".

"No problem. Swing-wise, length-wise, or... I mean, how much to bowl, which ball to bowl, forget about that. Forget about the 22 yards, thinking the pitch is like this or that. From your run-up, your focus should be on the stumps. Forget everything else, what is happening here, what is happening there. There is no problem with the run-up. If there is a problem with it, we will see then," Shami said.

Aquib Nabi is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming 55 wickets in nine matches at an average of 12.72, including six five-wicket hauls and four four-wicket hauls, with best figures of 7/24.

On the other hand, Shami ended his Ranji campaign with 37 wickets in seven matches at an average of 16.72, with a four-fer and three five-fors to his name and best figures of 8/90, which came during the semifinal against J-K.

Coming to the match, J-K won the toss and elected to field first. A century from Sudip Kumar Gharami (146) guided Bengal to 328 runs, with Aquib (5/87) and Sunil Kumar (3/41) being the pick of the bowlers for J&K. Bengal led by 25 runs.

Despite fifties from Abdul (82) and skipper Paras (58), J&K was skittled out for 302 runs, with Shami (8/90) running riot through J&K's line-up. It was a partnership of 64 runs for the ninth wicket between Aquib Nabi (42) and Yudhvir Singh (33), which took J&K near the 300-run mark. Bengal led by 26 runs.

However, J&K came back with a vengeance, skittling out Bengal for just 99 runs, with Shahbaz Ahmed (24). J&K gained a 125-run lead, with Nabi once again leading the charts with four wickets.

In the run-chase, Vanshaj Sharma (43*) and Samad (30*) led from the front, taking their side to the target in 34.4 overs with six wickets in hand.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So heartwarming to see a senior player like Shami taking time to mentor the youngsters. This is how Indian cricket grows stronger - by sharing knowledge across teams. Nabi's 55 wickets at an average of 12.72 is just insane! Future of Indian pace bowling looks bright.
R
Rohit P
Respect to Shami bhai! Even after taking 8 wickets against them, he's there giving advice. That's sportsmanship. Nabi should absorb every word. "Forget the 22 yards" - that mental clarity is what separates good bowlers from great ones.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, I love seeing teams from all regions shine. J&K's journey is inspiring. They defeated a strong Bengal side fair and square. Nabi's all-round performance with bat and ball was crucial. Hope they go all the way in the final!
V
Vikram M
Shami's advice is technically sound, but I hope Nabi also develops his own style. Sometimes too much focus on one method can limit a bowler's growth. That said, 55 wickets doesn't lie - the boy is special. J&K's success is a great story for domestic cricket.
K
Kavya N
This makes me so proud! Cricket uniting everyone. Shami, Nabi, Samad - all playing for the love of the game. The partnership between Nabi and Yudhvir Singh in the first innings was match-turning. Can't wait for the final! #RanjiTrophy

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