Sheeri Baramulla Jubilant as Auqib Nabi’s Record-Breaking Performance Brings Cheer to Cricket Lovers and Family Alike
Reyaz Rashid
Srinagar, Feb 10: In the rugged terrains of Baramulla, where tennis-ball cricket once ruled the grounds, a young boy honed his craft, dreaming of leather balls and roaring crowds. Today, that boy, Auqib Nabi, has etched his name into Jammu & Kashmir’s cricketing folklore, becoming the highest wicket-taker in a single Ranji Trophy season. With 43 scalps to his name, Nabi has surpassed the previous record of 38 wickets held by former J&K captain Parvez Rasool, cementing his place as one of the region’s most lethal pacers.
Nabi’s journey from the humble fields of Sheeri village to the grand stage of domestic cricket is a tale of grit, perseverance, and raw talent. His rise is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers in a region often overlooked by the cricketing fraternity.
The Making of a Speedster
Growing up in Sheeri Baramulla, Nabi’s early cricketing days were spent playing tennis-ball matches on uneven grounds where spikes were a luxury. Yet, it was here that he developed his trademark mix of inswingers and outswingers, a skill set that would later become his weapon of choice in professional cricket.
“We never played with the hard ball. The ground wasn’t good enough for spikes. It was all tennis-ball cricket,” Nabi recalls. “Transitioning to the red ball took time, but once I adapted, there was no looking back.”
His journey wasn’t without hurdles. Limited infrastructure, early injuries, and familial resistance posed significant challenges. His father, a government teacher, initially wanted him to pursue medicine. But Nabi’s passion for cricket was unwavering. His breakthrough came during his U19 days, where he announced his arrival with a five-wicket haul and a half-century against Punjab. A century against Saurashtra’s U19 team further solidified his reputation as a prodigious talent.
Breaking Barriers in Ranji Trophy
Nabi’s record-breaking Ranji Trophy season has been nothing short of spectacular. His 43 wickets include six five-wicket hauls, a testament to his consistency and dominance. In a season where spinners largely ruled the roost, Nabi’s fiery pace and precision stood out, making him a nightmare for opposition batters.
His standout performance came in the quarter-final against Kerala, where he dismantled the top order with a sensational five-wicket haul. Removing key players like Rohan Kunnummal, Shoun Roger, and Kerala captain Sachin Baby early in the innings, Nabi’s spell of 5 for 36 in 19 overs left Kerala reeling. His contribution with the bat, a brisk 32 off 30 balls, further underscored his all-round capabilities.
Praise from the Legends
Samiullah Beigh, a former J&K fast bowler and a revered figure in the region’s cricketing circles, heaped praise on Nabi. “Maintaining such high performance levels as a pacer is no mean feat,” Beigh remarked. “Nabi’s fitness, control over line and length, and sharp cricketing intelligence set him apart. He’s a rare talent.”
J&K’s Cricketing Resurgence
Nabi’s heroics have been instrumental in J&K’s resurgence in the Ranji Trophy this season. After a five-year absence, the team has stormed back into contention, notching up impressive victories against domestic giants like Mumbai and Baroda. Nabi’s rise has paralleled the team’s success, adding depth and firepower to the squad.
For a team that has reached the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals only three times in its 55-year history, this season’s progress is historic. Nabi’s performances have not only inspired his teammates but also reignited hopes of a brighter future for J&K cricket.
A Silent Warrior with a Bright Future
Nabi’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite being overlooked in the IPL auctions and facing indifference from ‘India A’ selectors, he has remained focused on his craft. “There are struggles, but I won’t talk about them. Playing red-ball cricket was a dream. Right now, Ranji is my biggest stage,” Nabi says with quiet determination.
His humility and work ethic have earned him respect both on and off the field. Whether it’s mentoring young cricketers in Baramulla or playing in local leagues in Karnataka, Nabi continues to hone his skills, always striving for improvement.
The Road Ahead
At 28, Auqib Nabi is at the peak of his powers. His record-breaking season has not only established him as J&K’s premier pacer but also put him on the national radar. With his ability to swing the ball both ways, maintain relentless accuracy, and deliver under pressure, Nabi is a talent too good to ignore.
As Jammu & Kashmir cricket enters a new era, Auqib Nabi stands at the forefront, a symbol of resilience and hope. His journey from the tennis-ball grounds of Baramulla to the hallowed turf of the Ranji Trophy is a reminder that dreams, no matter how distant, are achievable with hard work and belief.
For now, Nabi’s focus remains on the present. “I’m just enjoying my cricket,” he says. But as his performances continue to speak volumes, the cricketing world is beginning to take notice. The boy from Baramulla is here to stay, and his story is far from over.
Sheeri Baramulla Jubilant as Auqib Nabi’s Record-Breaking Performance Brings Cheer to Cricket Lovers and Family Alike
Sheeri, Baramulla, Feb 10: As news of Auqib Nabi’s record-breaking Ranji Trophy season reached his native village of Sheeri, celebrations erupted across the quiet hamlet nestled in the picturesque valleys of north Kashmir. The Dar household, brimming with pride, became the epicenter of jubilation as family, friends, and villagers gathered to celebrate the milestone achieved by their local hero.
“This is a dream come true,” said Ghulam Nabi Dar, Auqib’s father, his voice filled with emotion. “Not only has my son made our family proud, but he has also brought immense joy to our entire village and the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. His hard work and dedication have finally paid off, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Ghulam Nabi, a government teacher, recalled the early days when he urged his son to focus on academics. “I wanted him to become a doctor, but cricket was always his passion. Today, seeing him achieve this feat, I realize that he chose the right path. He has proven that with determination, anything is possible.”
Villagers Rejoice in Local Hero’s Success
The streets of Sheeri were abuzz with excitement as villagers gathered to celebrate Auqib’s achievement. From young children aspiring to follow in his footsteps to elderly residents who have watched him grow, the entire community shared in the joy of his success.
“Auqib has always been a role model for us,” said Arif, a young cricketer from the village. “We’ve seen him practice tirelessly, even when the odds were against him. His success gives us hope that we too can achieve our dreams, no matter where we come from.”
Local cricket enthusiasts recalled how Auqib’s journey began on the uneven grounds of Sheeri, where he played tennis-ball cricket with unmatched passion. “He was always different,” said Bashir Ahmad Lone, a family friend. “Even back then, he had this unique ability to swing the ball both ways. We knew he was destined for greatness.”
A Family’s Pride and Joy
At the Dar household, the celebrations were in full swing. Relatives, neighbors, and well-wishers poured in to congratulate the family. Auqib’s mother, tears of joy in her eyes, expressed her gratitude. “We’ve seen him struggle, but he never gave up. Today, all those sacrifices feel worth it. He has made us all proud.”
Auqib’s siblings, who have always supported his cricketing ambitions, were equally elated. “We’ve always believed in him,” said his younger brother. “Seeing him achieve this milestone is a moment of immense pride for our entire family.”
A Beacon of Hope for J&K Cricket
Auqib Nabi’s success has not only brought joy to his family and village but has also reignited hopes for the future of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir. His journey from the humble grounds of Sheeri to the grand stage of the Ranji Trophy is a testament to the untapped potential in the region.
“Auqib’s achievement is a reminder that talent knows no boundaries,” said a local cricket coach. “With the right support and infrastructure, many more youngsters from J&K can make it big in the world of cricket.”
As the celebrations continued late into the night, the message was clear: Auqib Nabi is not just a cricketer; he is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of Jammu and Kashmir. His success has not only made Sheeri proud but has also inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase their goals with unwavering determination.
“This is just the beginning,” said Ghulam Nabi Dar, his voice filled with optimism. “I know my son has many more milestones to achieve. And when he does, we’ll be here, cheering him on every step of the way.”
For now, the village of Sheeri basks in the glory of its local hero, celebrating a son who has put them on the cricketing map of India.