The Ranji Trophy landscape shifted dramatically as Jammu and Kashmir stormed into their maiden final, led by the lethal swing of Aqib Nabi Dar. Amid the celebrations, bowling coach P. Krishna Kumar issued a direct challenge to national selectors: integrate this prodigy into India’s pace battery without delay.
Kumar’s rationale is straightforward and persuasive. ‘Players peaking in domestic cricket deserve national exposure,’ he explained. ‘Aqib could transform India’s attack overnight. Even modest returns offer lessons in refinement—vital intel for the future.’
India’s over-reliance on Bumrah and Siraj leaves little margin for error or injury. ‘High-pressure games like these identify blue-chip prospects,’ Kumar noted. ‘No depth in pace bowling means Aqib steps up as the answer.’
Backing the buzz are Dar’s jaw-dropping numbers: 55 wickets in nine matches (second overall), bowling average 12.73, and six five-wicket inns. Quarterfinal demolition of Madhya Pradesh (12 wickets) and semifinal mastery over Bengal (9 wickets) sealed his reputation as a big-match predator.
With the final ahead, Dar’s case grows urgent. Indian cricket’s evolution hinges on bold selections. Coach Kumar’s clarion call underscores a simple truth: talent this ripe can’t wait.