Former India captain Sourav Ganguly heaped praise on Jammu and Kashmir for their remarkable performance in their maiden Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, singling out pacer Auqib Nabi as a player ready for national honours.
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Nabi has been sensational this season, claiming 60 wickets in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. In the final against the Karnataka cricket team, he delivered a match-defining spell of 5 for 54 in the first innings.
His efforts helped J&K bowl out eight-time champions Karnataka for 293 in 93.3 overs after posting a massive 584 in Hubballi, putting the debut finalists firmly in control.
Taking to social media, Ganguly praised the team’s grit and determination. “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,” Ganguly wrote.
He went a step further by backing Nabi for an India call-up, suggesting the upcoming England tour as an ideal starting point. Ganguly tagged the BCCI, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, and board secretary Devajit Saikia in his post.
On Day 4, Karnataka resumed at 220 for five but lost their remaining five wickets for just 73 runs. Nabi struck crucial blows, including the prized wicket of Mayank Agarwal, who had scored 160, and also dismissed Shikhar Shetty.
Jammu and Kashmir secured a commanding 291-run first-innings lead, underlining their dominance in a historic final appearance.
