Jammu and Kashmir’s historic run to the Ranji Trophy final has one standout hero: fast bowler Aqib Nabi Dar. His relentless wicket-taking prowess has propelled the team to the brink of glory, and now bowling coach P. Krishna Kumar is making a compelling case for his inclusion in the Indian national team.
In an exclusive conversation, Kumar emphasized the urgency of rewarding consistent performers. ‘When a player delivers match after match, it’s time to give them a shot at the top level,’ he said. ‘Imagine Aqib stepping up for India right now. Even if he has an off day, you’ll identify areas for growth. These domestic tournaments exist precisely for this—to unearth talent ready for international cricket.’
India’s pace bowling stocks are thin beyond stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Kumar highlighted this gap, positioning Dar as a prime backup option. ‘We’ve seen who can handle pressure in these high-stakes games. Aqib has proven himself. Why not fast-track him instead of looking elsewhere?’
Dar’s Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign is nothing short of phenomenal. Finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 55 scalps in nine matches, his bowling average of 12.73 speaks volumes about his dominance. He’s claimed five-wicket hauls six times this season alone, including a staggering 12 wickets against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals and nine against Bengal in the semis, dismantling their batting lineups.
As Jammu and Kashmir eyes the title, Dar’s emergence raises a key question: Is India ready to integrate this domestic sensation into its World Cup plans? Coach Kumar believes the answer is a resounding yes, urging selectors to act swiftly before the next big opportunity slips away.