The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing growing calls to consider Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for national selection after his stellar performance in his side’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia acknowledged that the 29-year-old seamer has drawn widespread attention but made it clear that the final decision rests with the national selectors, who have been closely tracking his progress.
Nabi was the standout bowler of the Ranji Trophy season, finishing with an impressive 60 wickets in 10 matches. He topped the wicket charts and claimed seven five-wicket hauls — the most by any bowler in the tournament.
“He has played exceptionally well. His contribution to the team’s success was immense. He took five wickets in the quarterfinal, five in the semifinal, and delivered a decisive spell in the final. That spell changed the game. Naturally, everyone is taking note,” Saikia told The Times of India.
Saikia revealed that national selectors were present at Ranji Trophy matches throughout the season, including the final, to monitor potential talent.
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“We have entrusted our selectors to attend every Ranji Trophy game. I am confident they have done their job diligently. Nabi was already in the spotlight, and the selectors will take a call,” he said.
He added that the BCCI’s structure ensures emerging talent from across the country does not go unnoticed. While local selectors in Jammu & Kashmir first identified and nurtured Nabi’s talent, it is now up to the national selection panel to decide if he is ready for the India squad.
“Nabi comes from Baramulla. It was the J&K selectors who brought him into the state team. The BCCI selectors track performances at the domestic level. Their focus is always on identifying players who consistently deliver,” Saikia explained.
With his breakthrough season and match-winning spells in crucial knockout games, Nabi has firmly entered the national conversation.
