## Sourav Ganguly Backs Auqib Nabi for International Selection
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has voiced his admiration for Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, advocating for his inclusion in the national team during the upcoming England tour this July. Nabi has become a standout performer, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir’s remarkable journey to the Ranji Trophy finals this season.
### Auqib Nabi’s Impressive Performance
With an astounding tally of 60 wickets in the current Ranji Trophy season, Nabi not only leads the charts but also maps out a striking narrative of consistency and skill. His performance in the final match, where he took 5 wickets for 54 runs, was instrumental in dismissing Karnataka for just 293 runs. This achievement marks him as the third pacer in the tournament’s 92-year history to surpass the 60-wicket milestone in a single season.
### Ganguly’s Call on Social Media
Ganguly expressed his support on social media platform X, highlighting the contributions of Jammu and Kashmir in their exceptional season. He specifically tagged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, urging them to consider Nabi for the national squad. “J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do. They have made that region so proud. Tough environment makes tough people. Auqib Nabi is on his way to national colours—England is the perfect place to start this summer,” Ganguly tweeted.
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
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) February 27, 2026
### Jammu and Kashmir’s Road to the Finals
This season’s Ranji Trophy has been a historical journey for Jammu and Kashmir, as they reached the finals for the first time ever. The team showcased exceptional talent, with standout innings of 121 runs from Shubham Pundir and significant contributions from other players, leading to a formidable first-innings score of 584. In stark contrast, Karnataka, a team packed with star players like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, folded for 293 runs. With the end of the match drawing near, a draw seems the most likely outcome, granting Jammu and Kashmir their maiden title based on the first innings lead.
### The Significance of Tough Environments
Ganguly’s remarks about the “tough environment” serving as a catalyst for player development resonate deeply within the cricketing community. For players from Jammu and Kashmir, the challenges faced can often cultivate resilience and determination, key traits that are essential for success in high-pressure situations. Nabi’s performances highlight how nurturing talent in such challenging settings can yield impressive results on the national and international stages.
Jammu and Kashmir’s cricket team is capturing the hearts of fans both locally and nationally. With players like Auqib Nabi leading the charge, the future of cricket from this region looks promising and bright. As the cricketing community watches closely, the call for Nabi’s inclusion in the national squad not only underlines individual talent but also showcases the growth of cricket in a region once overshadowed in the domestic scene.
