Aaqib Nabi became the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to be included in the Indian Test team, replacing Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from injury. Before Aaqib Nabi, Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik were the only cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the limited-overs format for the Indian senior team.
Born on November 4, 1996, to a government school teacher in Sheeri, Baramulla, Aaqib Nabi aspired to be a footballer as a child, but he also had a passion for fast bowling. Aaqib started practicing bowling at a ground in Srinagar, 50 kilometers from his home.
With his ability to swing the ball both ways and with excellent line and length, Aaqib quickly became Jammu and Kashmir’s premier fast bowler, earning him the nickname “Baramulla Express.” Although Nabi played red-ball cricket early in his career, he later honed his skills in white-ball cricket as well.
Nabi made a significant impact in the Ranji Trophy, taking a total of 104 wickets in two impressive seasons (2024-25 and 2025-26). He was the highest wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, taking 60 wickets in 17 innings at an average of 12.65. His impressive bowling helped Jammu and Kashmir win their first Ranji Trophy title. He was named Player of the Tournament for that season.
Nabi, who took 15 wickets in seven matches during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2025, was bought by the Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore for IPL 2026. In his first IPL season, Nabi played five matches without any success.
Aaqib Nabi has long been a candidate for a place in the Indian Test team due to his consistently impressive performances in domestic cricket. Aaqib was also part of the India A team that recently toured Sri Lanka, where he took six wickets in two matches.
Nabi, who has taken 162 wickets in 43 first-class matches at an average of 18.63, has also taken 56 wickets in 36 List A matches. He has also taken 43 wickets in 39 T20 matches.
This right-arm bowler, who bowls at a speed of 125 to 140 kilometers per hour, will have a golden opportunity to prove his ability on the international stage during the tour of Sri Lanka.