In brief
Auqib Nabi Dar, hailing from a remote village in Baramulla, turned a grassroots dream into a historic reality by earning a call‑up to the India Test squad. His journey began with modest training grounds, traveling 70 kilometres to practice, and evolved into dominating the 2024‑25 Ranji season with 60 wickets. A subsequent IPL contract with Delhi Capitals provided exposure, while his performance helped Jammu & Kashmir clinch their first Ranji title after 67 years—propelling him into the selectors’ spotlight. The achievement stands as a beacon for aspiring cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrating that talent can rise despite limited infrastructure and harsh winters.
The Unlikely Journey Starts in Baramulla
Raised in a small village in Baramulla district, 29‑year‑old Auqib Nabi Dar dreamed of stadium lights rather than a school desk. He grew up on dirt pitches, traveling 70km to Srinagar for proper practice and even lacked proper spike shoes for his first trials.
From Grassroots to Ranji Glory
His breakthrough came in 2020 when he took five wickets against Jharkhand, setting the stage for a stellar 2024‑25 Ranji season where he claimed 60 wickets in 10 matches.
An IPL Contract and the Road to Test Selection
The performance earned him an IPL contract with Delhi Capitals, and the following season’s record haul helped Jammu & Kashmir win their first Ranji title after 67 years—creating buzz in the selectors’ rooms.
Breaking Barriers in Jammu & Kashmir
For a region still grappling with limited infrastructure and hard winters, Auqib’s call‑up to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Test squad marks a historic moment, proving that talent can rise amid adversity.
Hope for Tomorrow’s Generations
Former captain Parvez Rasool says that Auqib’s journey ‘serves as a beacon for youngsters from Kashmir who can dream big.’ In Baramulla, Ghulam Nabi now finds himself embraced as a local hero.
