A misty yet warm morning on December 2, 2024, a hotel in Navi Mumbai. Jammu and Kashmir were playing their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy group stages at the DY
Patil Sports Academy, and the IPL 2025 mega auction had just happened a few days ago.
It was the first time I met Auqib Nabi. While I went to interview Rasikh Salam Dar and Yudhvir Charak, J&K team manager made me aware of Auqib's availability, and I thought I must speak to him.
That morning at that hotel remains vivid in my mind. A shy person with his hat and hoodie on, spoke his heart out. He was disappointed and sad after his name was not even uttered in the IPL mega auction. It's not that he was not doing well. At that time, Auqib was the highest wicket-taker among pacers in the Ranji season, he was taking wickets left, right and centre in other tournaments - but the chance never came in that mega auction.
Auqib Nabi First Interview
As I was leaving after the allotted interviews, Auqib and his words kept reverberating in my mind. Auqib was sad, but his eyes were assured, Auqib was frustrated, but his voice sounded like a man who knows how to defy setbacks.
Fast forward to an evening of February 18, 2026 - this time the destination is a Hotel in West Bengal's Kalyani. Auqib Nabi and his Jammu and Kashmir team had just created history by reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final. I met an Auqib Nabi again, this time a player who the country knows, someone who has bagged an Rs 8.40 crore deal in the IPL with Delhi Capitals, and someone garnering the recognition he deserves.
Auqib sat with MyKhel for an exclusive interview, where the Baramulla boy depicted his journey, refuelled dreams and a message perhaps we all can replicate in our lives.
On the verge of Ranji Dream
Auqib has been a phenomenon for J&K this season, picking 55 wickets with the ball and scoring a handful of runs. He was the star again for them with a 9-wicket haul against Bengal. Days before, he had a 12-wicket haul against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals.
"It was a dream since we started playing first-class cricket. To take the team to the finals of Ranji Trophy. Everyone has worked very hard for this. Coaches, staff, JKCA have organised so many camps and played matches. So it has been a wonderful journey so far," he said.
While speaking about the team, Auqib pointed out how different people have showcased their skills throughout the season. It has been such a season for J&K where they have got their saviour in many names when required.
"It has been a complete team effort. In every match, we have found new heroes. It has been a dream contribution from all of us. "
Honing the Bowling Skills
The wickets have come in numbers for Auqib and as the 29-year-old continues his prowess, J&K bowling coach P. Krishnakumar earlier told MyKhel about how Auqib's wrist position has strengthened his skill. And the player says the same.
"I've kept things simple, focusing on bowling in the right areas. I've honed my skills extensively, particularly my wrist position, through targeted drills. Working closely with Coach Krishna sir and gaining match experience in red-ball tournaments abroad has paid off. The results speak for themselves, and our hard work has brought us here today. "
Is Auqib Nabi an All-Rounder?
Although bowling has been Auqib's primary responsibility, the 29-year-old continues to shine his batting skills. The recent half-centuries in the Ranji Trophy have played a big part, while he recently scored a stunning century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well.
And batting is something that Auqib has always enjoyed. With the growing experience, he has focused on honing his batting to be more effective for his team.
"I work on both batting and bowling, but I've been putting in extra effort on my batting lately. I've always enjoyed it from the start, but didn't focus much on it earlier, prioritizing bowling instead. Now, with guidance from the coaches, I've realized that practicing batting gives the team an extra edge. It's made a big difference, and I'm committed to improving further to deliver for the team. "
The Impact on Valley and its Dreamers
As Auqib leads the bowling attack in the Ranji Final against Karnataka, he has only one thing in mind, which is to win the crown for his team. But it wasn't the same for him when things started in Baramulla. A young kid who grew up with the dreams of playing for India, initially had his dreams being checked by parents, who rather wanted him to focus on studies.
Auqib's resilience and willpower aided in his journey. The Baramulla boy adores Dale Steyn, and as he continues to reach new heights, he hopes their Ranji feat will inspire many of the budding youngsters.
"This achievement is pivotal for cricket's growth in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, pursuing it as a career wasn't viable - I lacked parental support at first, as there was no proper infrastructure or system. Cricket existed, but only recreationally at the local level, not as a serious profession. By reaching the finals, we hope to inspire generations. I believe this will boost cricket in our region and many more names will emerge. "
Bouncing Back from Setbacks - A Baramulla DNA
The journey hasn't been smooth for Auqib either. At the cusp of completing the third decade of his life, he is getting the recognition. There have been numerous setbacks but the pacer says he always had the tools to stand after falls. Despite being a serial performer in Ranji Trophy, it was a Duleep Trophy success with North Zone which made Auqib a household name.
"I come from a place where everyone works hard. I believe that when you put in the effort, you deserve recognition for performing well. I think that when you work hard, you also need recognition. You need recognition that you are performing well. But things changed in the Duleep Trophy when I took 4 wickets in 4 balls. Suddenly, everyone started talking about me. My mindset has always been 'if it happens, great. If not, I'll work hard again. '"
"I come from a family where if something doesn't work out, it's okay-it'll happen next time. I've been like this my whole life. It came naturally to me. If it doesn't happen, I'll just try again next time. "
The IPL Dream - Fulfilled, India Dream - Loading
The learnings don't end here for Auqib as he got his much-cherished IPL deal in the IPL 2026 mini auction. Delhi Capitals went all guns blazing and the Kashmir player has diverted his focus from the numbers that come along with it.
"There's no pressure. I believe I deserve to perform - I've worked hard and delivered consistently over the years. It's not like I'm coming off just one tournament; I've proven myself time and again. It's all God's grace, and I'm truly grateful. Very excited to play in the IPL. "
It will be a different ball game altogether, as Auqib will have the opportunity to share the dressing room with Mitchell Starc, whom he considers a legend. Also, the player is excited to play along with KL Rahul, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav among the Indian stars.
And what's next? It is India, indeed. Auqib has only one focus, which is to wear the national team's jersey. His ultimate dream is to wear the Test Whites, and the shy yet steely boy vows to do whatever it takes and advises the youth to follow the same.
"Keep a goal in mind. And work hard for it, go all out for it. Give your every iota to turn your dream into reality. Be loyal and don't cheat on your hard work. I have a tunnel vision, which is to play for India and win a Test Cap. And I will keep working for it. "
In the last 14 months, Auqib Nabi's stature has drastically changed. From a player fighting for recognition, Auqib has grown into one of the most talked-about domestic players in the nation. An IPL performance of such a sort would further enhance his reputation as he continues to knock harder on the India selection doors. But for Auqib, the process remains the same - discipline, hard work, and a will to learn. Ain't that the perfect recipe for success!
