Auqib Nabi etched his name into the record books on Friday, emerging as the highest wicket-taker of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. In doing so, he also became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to reach this landmark in the competition.
The pacer touched the 60-wicket mark for the season, finishing with impressive figures of five for 54 as Karnataka were dismissed well behind Jammu & Kashmir’s imposing first-innings total of 584. His performance secured his position at the top of the wicket charts in the ongoing campaign.
With that effort, Nabi also joined an exclusive club, becoming only the third fast bowler in the tournament’s 92-year history to collect 60 wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season.
The five-wicket haul was his seventh of the season and the 15th of his Ranji career, underlining a dominant stretch in domestic cricket.
Legends Laud Nabi’s Achievement
Nabi’s standout campaign drew widespread appreciation, with several prominent Indian cricket figures turning to social media to acknowledge his achievement as the leading wicket-taker of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik commended Auqib Nabi for his exceptional run in the tournament, noting that the young fast bowler controlled proceedings from beginning to end while displaying impressive fitness, consistency and resilience.
“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.”
“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 Auqib Nabi way,” Kartnik wrote.
Ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly also shared his praise on X, stating that Nabi should soon don Indian colours and suggesting that the England tour could serve as an ideal opportunity for him to make his debut.
What Lies Ahead for Nabi?
Following the conclusion of his Ranji Trophy campaign, Nabi is set to link up with the Delhi Capitals for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The franchise secured his services at the IPL 2026 player auction last year for Rs 8.40 crore.
