Pace Bowler Aquib Nabi: Redefining J&K Cricket

At just 23, Aquib Nabi has emerged as a key pace-bowling prospect for Jammu & Kashmir. The right-arm seamer from Baramulla has impressed with his natural outswing and aggressive approach, making significant contributions to his team’s success. His standout moment came in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Karnataka, where he dismissed Karun Nair with just his second delivery of the day, setting the tone for a crucial match.

Early Struggles and the Bengaluru Breakthrough

Growing up in Baramulla, where cricketing infrastructure was limited, Nabi initially gravitated toward football. However, the thrill of fast bowling soon drew him in. His breakthrough came when he moved to Bengaluru and joined Chintamani Club in the KSCA League’s second division. His debut performance was nothing short of remarkable—scoring a century from No. 9 while also claiming a five-wicket haul. This experience exposed him to structured coaching, top-class facilities, and high-level competition, significantly shaping his cricketing journey.

Transition to Fast Bowling and Cricketing Development

Interestingly, Nabi started as a leg-spinner before switching to pace. He realized that leg-spin with a tennis ball lacked impact, and a freak injury—where he was struck on the nose—cemented his decision to focus on fast bowling. His ability to bowl full and generate movement quickly set him apart, allowing him to develop both pace and control.

His career stats reflect his growing impact:

First-Class (2020–): 28 matches, 84 wickets, Economy 3.04, Average 22.5

List A (2018–): 29 matches, 42 wickets, Economy 5.07, Average 28.9

T20 (2019–): 27 matches, 28 wickets, Economy 7.83, Average 26.4

With the bat, he has shown glimpses of being a handy lower-order contributor:

First-Class: 638 runs at an average of 17.7, Strike Rate 49.6

List A: 351 runs at an average of 20.6, Strike Rate 97.5

T20: 99 runs at an average of 9.9, Strike Rate 103.1

Family Support and the Rise of J&K Cricket

Coming from a non-cricketing background, Nabi initially faced pressure to focus on academics. His father, a government school teacher, was skeptical at first but later became one of his biggest supporters after witnessing his dedication. Now, his family closely follows his progress, celebrating his achievements at the domestic level.

Nabi credits J&K’s cricketing transformation to coach Milap Mewada and mentor Irfan Pathan. Their focus on skill-based training and mental resilience has helped unify the team, breaking barriers between players from Jammu and Kashmir.