Hubli, February 27 – Former India captain Sourav Ganguly praised Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for his impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, saying the right-arm fast bowler is on his way to representing India and could begin his international career in England.
Ganguly also praised Jammu and Kashmir's remarkable journey and fighting spirit in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, where they are putting up a strong performance against eight-time champions Karnataka in their maiden final appearance.
"J&K has shown the world what effort and determination can achieve. They have made that region so proud of them. A challenging environment breeds tough individuals. Auqib Nabi is on his way to representing India… England is the ideal place to start in the summer," Ganguly wrote on X, tagging the BCCI and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
India will play five T20Is and three ODIs in England in July. This tour will be crucial for preparing for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa. Ganguly believes that Auqib should be a part of the tour.
Auqib has been brilliant with the ball in the ongoing Ranji Trophy Final played at the Hubli Cricket Ground. He has taken the seventh five-wicket haul of the season, which helped J&K bowl out Karnataka for 293 despite Mayank's fighting 160 off 266 balls and take a 291-run first-innings lead, which could be crucial in the outcome of the match.
Earlier, former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik also praised Auqib for his amazing performance.
Karthik praised Auqib's determination, who played all the matches in the ongoing tournament, adapted to different conditions, and has taken 60 wickets so far.
"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, play like Auqib Nabi. There aren't many pacers/players who have done what he has done," he wrote on X.
Karthik also believes that Auqib's focus and hard work in the domestic league can take him to the national team. He also said that Auqib is a champion and sent his best wishes for the future.
"Domination from start to end and almost single-handedly winning the domestic tournament that matters the most to get into the national side," he wrote.
"Fitness throughout the campaign, bowling those long spells and adapting to different conditions and weather, and irrespective of whether there's been any assistance for a pacer or not, he has consistently shown his commitment and belief in his team," he added.
"Kudos to you, Auqib, you are an absolute champion, and I hope you achieve a lot of success, and may you be an example of how to achieve success through sheer will, skill, and resilience," he concluded.
