Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi, born on November 04, 1996, and currently 29 years old, is one of the most complete and underrated fast-bowling talents in Indian domestic cricket. Despite years of consistent performances across Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Duleep Trophy, he remains overlooked by IPL franchises and national selectors—a mistake that could cost Indian cricket dearly.
At 29, this is the crucial window for Auqib Nabi. If he doesn’t receive an IPL opportunity — and subsequently, a look-in for Team India — the chance may never come again. His record, skills, fitness, and match-impacting performances all point to a bowler who is more than ready.
A Complete Domestic Fast Bowler: Dominance Across Formats
1. First-Class Cricket (Ranji Trophy & Duleep Trophy): A Genuine Strike Bowler
FC Stats
Matches: 35
Wickets: 120
Best Bowling: 7/24, Match: 10/53
Average: 20.33
Economy: 2.92
Strike Rate: 41.7
Five-Wicket Hauls: 12
Ten-Wicket Matches: 3
These are elite numbers, comparable to top Indian red-ball quicks. Nabi has repeatedly produced new-ball breakthroughs, bowled long spells in tough conditions, and delivered match-defining spells for Jammu & Kashmir. His ability to swing the ball both ways at high pace has made him one of the most feared domestic bowlers. Few bowlers in India average 20 after 120 wickets—proof of world-class potential.
2. List A (Vijay Hazare Trophy): The Game Manager in Middle Overs
List A Stats
Matches: 29
Wickets: 42
Best: 4/39
Average: 28.88
Economy: 5.07
Strike Rate: 34.1
An economy of 5.07 in Indian List A conditions—mostly on batting-friendly decks—is outstanding. Nabi consistently breaks partnerships and uses cutters, scrambled seam, and tight lines to suffocate batters. He has been a middle-overs enforcer for J&K, often turning matches with crucial spells.
3. T20 Cricket (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy): A Short-Format Threat Too
T20 Stats
Matches: 27
Wickets: 28
Best: 4/43
Average: 26.39
Economy: 7.83
Strike Rate: 20.2
Nabi’s T20 numbers prove he is not just a red-ball specialist. A strike rate of 20.2 is excellent. His ability to bowl Powerplay overs, hit hard lengths, and use variations at the death makes him an IPL-ready bowler. His pace, bounce, and seam movement have troubled many established domestic batters during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Why Auqib Nabi Deserves an IPL Berth — Right Now
Elite domestic numbers across all formats
Very few Indian fast bowlers average 20 in FC, economy under 5.1 in List A, and strike every 20 balls in T20s.
Red-ball and white-ball readiness
He is not a “just Test” bowler. His white-ball game is complete and effective.
A proven impact player in high-pressure domestic tournaments
Be it Ranji knockout matches, SMAT crunch games, or Duleep Trophy encounters—Nabi performs when it matters.
Jammu & Kashmir’s rise in domestic cricket owes much to him
Alongside Umran Malik and Abid Mushtaq, he is part of the core that has transformed J&K into a competitive domestic force.
At 29, this is his peak window
Fast bowlers have limited career peaks. If he is ignored now, Indian cricket risks losing a fully developed fast-bowling asset.
Why Team India Should Look at Him
India’s pace cupboard has depth, but there is a shortage of:
Swing bowlers who can bowl long spells
Hit-the-deck seamers who can operate across formats
Pace bowlers who can adapt to spin-friendly Asian surfaces
Auqib Nabi fits all three categories.
Auqib Nabi is too good to be ignored any longer. His domestic record, versatility, and consistency place him among the best uncapped fast bowlers in India. IPL teams searching for a reliable Indian quick—and the national selectors building future Test and white-ball squads—must look closely at him.
If Auqib Nabi doesn’t get his IPL opportunity and India call-up now, he may never get one. And that would be a major miss for Indian cricket.
