Auqib Nabi did not have his own pair of bowling spikes when he attended his first U-19 trial. Instead, he borrowed a pair from a friend. That same friend failed to make the team. Nabi borrowed another pair from that friend and wore them for every match in his first U-19 tournament. His journey was defined by borrowed gear and an unyielding determination to succeed.
Now 29, Nabi has earned his first call-up to represent India. The fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir is stepping in as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah. He has joined India's Test squad for the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in his career. Nabi is becoming the first player from the Kashmir Valley to be selected for the Indian Test squad, replacing Bumrah for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. This selection is a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, and he is the third player from the region after Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik to receive a senior national team call-up.
Wickets and work
Nabi claimed 104 wickets over the past two Ranji Trophy seasons, a performance that caught the attention of selectors. He also contributed six wickets during his recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he featured in two First Class matches, including figures of 4-58 in the first innings of the opening game. However, the breakthrough was not solely the result of his on-field talent. His relentless work ethic and mindset played a crucial role in his success. Nabi’s parents are government school teachers, and they originally wanted him to focus on academics rather than cricket. Cricket was not part of the initial plan. It was a friend who mentioned the U-19 trials to him. Until that point, Nabi had not even realized such opportunities existed. In the 2025-26 campaign, Nabi claimed 60 wickets at an average of 12.56, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
Like many young cricketers in Kashmir, Nabi began his journey with tennis-ball matches. Transitioning to leather-ball cricket introduced new challenges. Nabi needed access to a turf wicket, something Baramulla provided. However, he could not bowl there while wearing spikes. That meant making the trek to Srinagar for practice. The drive between Baramulla and Srinagar took about an hour and thirty minutes, a routine he maintained tirelessly to gain access to proper playing conditions.
Swing and swing again
When Nabi first joined the Jammu & Kashmir team for the Buchi Babu Trophy in Salem in 2023, his skillset was limited to the outswinger. Under the guidance of his coach, P. Krishnakumar, he started working on mastering the inswing. Nabi dedicated himself to this new challenge, and the results began to appear during the 2024-25 season. Krishnakumar helped him correct several biomechanical flaws, and he learned to adapt his performance to different match situations. He studied the three sessions of play, identified weaknesses in batters, and improved his preparation. These efforts culminated in his team winning the Ranji Trophy, a clear testament to his progress. By the time last season arrived, Nabi had developed a complete skillset and added a scrambled seam delivery to his repertoire, significantly enhancing his effectiveness on the field.
Interestingly, Nabi’s greatest transformation was not technical. It was a shift in his mindset. He no longer focused solely on taking wickets. Instead, he now prioritizes delivering the ball to the correct areas. Whether the ball swings in or away, his goal is to maintain consistent length and line. This change has also influenced how he approaches flat Indian pitches, which often frustrate fast bowlers. Rather than chasing unattainable magic deliveries, Nabi relies on the basics. Whether he has a new or old ball in hand, he insists on hitting the right spot with every delivery.
A contract and a plan
Nabi signed with the Delhi Capitals for an amount of Rs 8.40 crore in the Indian Premier League. Despite this, his focus remains clear. He has already decided how he will use the money he earned from the IPL. His vision includes building an academy in Baramulla, a place where young athletes from his community can receive proper training and support. While the borrowed shoes from his early days are now a thing of the past, the borrowed mindset of perseverance and resilience continues to drive him forward. Nabi steps into the India dressing room with a strong sense of purpose, never forgetting the humble beginnings that brought him there. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have also congratulated Nabi on his historic selection. Both expressed their pride in him and their hopes for his success on the international stage.