Former India batsman Dinesh Karthik has praised Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for his performance in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, saying his campaign stands out among the recent fast bowling activities in domestic cricket.In his post on X, Karthik urged young cricketers to follow Nabi’s example if they want to represent India.
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“Watching this Ranji Trophy campaign and watching it closely, one thing I can say for sure, for all the young boys and girls who play the sport and want to represent the country – do it the AQUIB NABI way,” Karthik wrote.Karthik said he couldn’t remember a pacer managing a season in a similar manner in recent years.“I can’t think of any pacer/player in a long time who has done what he has done. Dominating from start to finish and almost a single win in the domestic tournament that matters the most to get into the national team,” Karthik wrote. He also highlighted Nabi’s endurance and consistency in different conditions.“Fitness throughout the campaign, bowling those long spells and on different grounds, weather conditions and whether there was any help for the pacer or not, he was there for his team with faith every time he had the ball to STREK for his team,” Karthik wrote.Karthik praised his thinking and added:“Hats off to you AQUIB, you are an absolute champion and I hope you achieve much success that comes your way and be the lesson. How to break down a door through sheer force of will, skill and resilience,” said Karthik.Nabi has played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s run this season, playing in a variety of conditions. He is the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament, with 58 wickets in 10 matches and 17 innings at an average of 12.62. His tally includes two four-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls.Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir were in a strong position against eight-time champions Karnataka at stumps on Day 3 of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.Jammu and Kashmir posted 584 in 173.1 overs in their first innings. Shubham Pundir scored 121 off 247 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. For Karnataka, Prasidh Krishna took 5/98 in 34.1 overs. Vidyadhar Patil (1/116), Vijaykumar Vyshak (1/75), Shreyas Gopal (1/139) and Shikhar Shetty (1/125) took one wicket each.In reply, Karnataka reached 220/5 in 69 overs at stumps on Day 3, with Mayank Agarwal unbeaten on 130 off 207 balls, including 17 fours. KL Rahul (13 off 39 balls, two fours), skipper Devdutt Padikkal (11 off 10 balls, two fours), Karun Nair (0), Smaran Ravichandran (0) and Shreyas Gopal (27 off 83 balls, one four) failed to convert their starts.
