'My job is to only take wickets': Nabi reflects on long wait for India selection
Galle, Aug 13
Jammu and Kashmir seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi admitted he had expectations of earning an India call-up after his sensational Ranji Trophy campaign but insisted he remained focused on performing rather than worrying about selection, a mindset that eventually helped him earn his maiden Test call-up.
Nabi claimed 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy last season and played a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's historic maiden title triumph. Yet, despite finishing as the competition's highest wicket-taker and playing a key role in the championship-winning campaign, the India call-up did not come immediately.
The 29-year-old said he had expected to be rewarded for his performances but maintained that his responsibility was simply to keep delivering on the field.
"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.
Nabi's patience eventually paid off when he was called up to India's Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
The call came at an unexpected moment for Nabi, who was at the 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 said.
Nabi's India selection comes after two outstanding Ranji Trophy seasons in which Nabi amassed 104 wickets. His exploits in the 2025-26 campaign also helped Jammu and Kashmir secure their maiden Ranji Trophy 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.
Nabi's domestic performances had earlier earned him his maiden IPL contract with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. He featured in five games, while also representing India A on the tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two four-day matches as India A won the series 1-0.
He had previously been part of the national setup as a back-up net bowler during India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, but his latest selection marks his first inclusion in the senior Test squad.
Nabi said entering the Indian dressing room has been a special experience, particularly because many of the players he is now sharing the nets and dressing room with are those he had 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.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Your job is to perform, and the rest will see" - this is such a mature and grounded mindset. So many players get bogged down by selection politics and lose focus, but Nabi kept his head down and let his bowling do the talking. It's also great to see BCCI rewarding domestic performers, especially from non-traditional cricket regions like J&K. This will motivate so many young cricketers from smaller states. 👏
Great to see another pacer in the mix, but honestly, I hope the management gives him a proper chance rather than just having him warm the bench. We've seen too many talented domestic performers getting selected and then never getting a game. That said, his attitude is exactly what you want in a squad player - humble, hard-working and hungry. The dressing room experience itself will be invaluable.
His journey from net bowler to Test squad member is a beautiful reminder that hard work never goes unnoticed. The fact that he was at the airport when he got the call just shows how unexpected but well-deserved this moment is. J&K cricket has come a long way, and Nabi is proof that talent from every corner of India deserves a chance. Best wishes for the Galle Test! 🌟
The line "The rest is up to God" really shows his faith and maturity. It's not easy to keep performing season after season without getting noticed at the highest level. While I'm thrilled for him, I do wonder if the selectors could have been quicker - he was the highest wicket-taker the whole season! But better late than never. Hope he makes the most of this opportunity and becomes a regular in the Test squad.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.