Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has praised Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for his performance in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, saying his campaign stands out among recent fast-bowling efforts in domestic cricket.
Posting on X, Karthik urged young cricketers to follow Nabi’s example if they aim to represent India.
“Watching this Ranji Trophy campaign and following it closely, one thing I can say for certain, for all the young boys and girls out there playing this sport and wanting to represent the country — do it the AQUIB NABI way,” Karthik wrote.
Karthik said he could not recall a pacer in recent years who had controlled a season in similar fashion.
“Can’t think of any pacer/player in a long time doing what he’s done. Domination from start to end and almost single-handedly winning the domestic tournament that matters the most to get into the national side,” Karthik wrote.
He also highlighted Nabi’s endurance and consistency across conditions.
“Fitness across the whole campaign, bowling those long spells and across different soils, weather conditions, and whether there’s been any help for a pacer or not, he’s been there for his team with the belief every time he’s had the ball to STRIKE for his team,” Karthik posted.
Praising his mindset, Karthik added:
“Hats off to you AQUIB, you’re an absolute champion and hope you get a lot of success that comes your way, and may you be the lesson on. How it’s done to break the doors through sheer will power, skill, and resilience,” Karthik said.
Nabi has played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s run this season, delivering across different pitch conditions. He is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, with 58 wickets in 10 matches and 17 innings at an average of 12.62. His tally includes two four-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir were in a strong position against eight-time champions Karnataka at stumps on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.
Jammu and Kashmir posted 584 in 173.1 overs in their first innings. Shubham Pundir scored 121 off 247 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. For Karnataka, Prasidh Krishna took 5/98 in 34.1 overs. Vidyadhar Patil (1/116), Vijaykumar Vyshak (1/75), Shreyas Gopal (1/139) and Shikhar Shetty (1/125) claimed one wicket each.
In reply, Karnataka reached 220/5 in 69 overs at stumps on Day 3, with Mayank Agarwal unbeaten on 130 off 207 balls, including 17 fours. KL Rahul (13 off 39 balls, two fours), captain Devdutt Padikkal (11 off 10 balls, two fours), Karun Nair (0), Smaran Ravichandran (0) and Shreyas Gopal (27 off 83 balls, one four) failed to convert their starts.
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