In a move that has sent ripples through the Indian cricketing landscape, former BCCI President and legendary captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind Jammu and Kashmir’s pace sensation, Auqib Nabi. As the 2026 Ranji Trophy season reaches its dramatic conclusion, Ganguly’s public endorsement on social media has sparked a massive debate over India’s selection strategy for the upcoming white-ball tour of England in July 2026. With Nabi’s career-defining performance in the domestic circuit, many believe the 29-year-old is finally ready to graduate to the international stage.
Sourav Ganguly pushes for Auqib Nabi’s selection for England tour through social media post
The catalyst for this growing momentum was a heartfelt post by Ganguly, who has never been shy about spotting raw talent. Witnessing Jammu and Kashmir’s historic run to the Ranji Trophy final at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, ‘Dada’ took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge the national selectors to take notice. In his post, Ganguly highlighted the resilience of the J&K team and specifically pinpointed Nabi as the next big thing for Indian cricket.
“J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do… They have made that region so proud of them… tough environment makes tough people. Aqib Nabi on his way to national colours. England is the place to start in the summer @bcci, @imAagarkar, @lonsaikia,” Ganguly wrote.
J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do ..They have made that region so proud of them .. tuff environment makes tuff people. Aqib nabi on his way to national colours .. england is the place to start in the summer @bcci @imAagarkar @lonsaikia
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) February 27, 2026
By tagging Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, Ganguly made it clear that Nabi’s skill set—marked by a high-arm action and the ability to move the ball both ways—is perfectly suited for English conditions. India is scheduled to play a high-octane white-ball series in England this July, consisting of five T20Is and three ODIs. Ganguly’s endorsement suggests that Nabi could provide the fresh energy and wicket-taking threat India needs in swinging conditions.
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Auqib Nabi’s emphatic form in Ranji Trophy 2026
Nabi’s case for selection isn’t just based on reputation; it is backed by an overwhelming statistical mountain. In the 2025-2026 Ranji Trophy edition, Nabi has emerged as the most lethal bowler in the country. He currently sits atop the wicket-taking charts with a staggering 60 wickets in just 10 matches. His efficiency is even more remarkable when looking at the numbers: an average of 12.56 and a strike rate of 28.43.
During the ongoing final against powerhouse Karnataka, Nabi dismantled a star-studded lineup that included KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. His 5/54 in the first innings was instrumental in J&K securing a massive 291-run lead. This performance marked his seventh five-wicket haul of the season, making him only the third pacer in the 92-year history of the Ranji Trophy to breach the 60-wicket mark in a single edition.
As Jammu and Kashmir stands on the cusp of their maiden Ranji title—likely to be decided by their first-innings dominance, Nabi has proven he is a big-match player. Having already secured a lucrative ₹8.40 crore deal with Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL, the transition to the national team seems less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.
Also READ: Fans react as Mayank Agarwal hits fighting hundred for Karnataka in Ranji Trophy final against J&K
