Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi produced a sensational opening spell on Thursday, leaving the Karnataka cricket team reeling at 57 for 4 in just 18 overs during their response to a massive first-innings total of 584 in the Ranji Trophy clash at KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground. The 29-year-old right-arm pacer was relentless with the new ball, striking three times in the space of just 23 deliveries. His victims included seasoned India batters KL Rahul and Karun Nair, along with young batter Smaran Ravichandran.
In fact, Nabi’s fiery burst featured two wickets in consecutive deliveries, completely shifting the momentum of the innings and putting Karnataka under immediate pressure. The breakthrough arrived in the 12th over when Nabi removed Rahul with a sharp back-of-a-length delivery on off stump.
The ball skidded through and straightened after pitching, leaving Rahul squared up on the crease. Attempting to fend it away with an angled bat, the experienced opener only managed a thick edge that flew to close-in fielder Kanhaiya Wadhawan, who completed a comfortable catch. Auqib Nabi returned two overs later and delivered a devastating double strike.
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First, he produced a beauty that jagged away late to dismantle Nair’s off stump, sending the Karnataka veteran back without scoring. On the very next ball, Ravichandran poked nervously at another delivery that shaped away. The outside edge once again carried to Wadhawan, completing a stunning sequence that left Karnataka four wickets down early.
Big wicket of KL Rahul 🔥
🎥 Watch Auqib Nabi’s delivery that gave J&K the massive breakthrough and a crucial early wicket in the #RanjiTrophy Final!
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/G0ytZLEyNB@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/y92jjuPebT
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2026
With more than 100 wickets in two Ranji seasons, Auqib Nabi Dar has everything in him to play for Team India but then there is Gautam Gambhir
— Abhishek ✨ (@ImAbhishek7_) February 26, 2026
AUQIB NABI IS BOOKING HIS TICKET TO NEW ZEALAND TOUR 🇮🇳
– He is winning the Ranji Trophy for Jammu & Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/PEjwMgLocg
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 26, 2026
Auqib Nabi Dar is doing something special in domestic cricket, he should be in contention to play for India.
— Vipul 🖕🏿 (@Vipul_Espeaks) February 16, 2026
The electrifying spell quickly grabbed attention across cricket circles and social media, with many fans and experts backing Nabi for a potential India call-up. His numbers this season speak volumes. Across 17 innings, Nabi has picked up 58 wickets at an extraordinary average of 12.46, including six five-wicket hauls. His performances have been instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic run to their maiden Ranji Trophy final.
For the Indian Test side, the pace attack has largely revolved around Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj over the past few years. With veterans Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav fading from the setup, and uncertainty around Mohammed Shami’s return, India are actively exploring new fast-bowling options.
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India’s upcoming Test tour of New Zealand later this year could provide the perfect opportunity to test fresh talent. Nabi’s ability to generate seam movement and extract bounce makes him a compelling candidate for those conditions. While selectors may first evaluate him through the India A pathway, if his current form continues, his push for a national cap could soon become impossible to ignore.
