History in the making at Hubli: Jammu & Kashmir defies odds to contest the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final versus Karnataka, propelled by pace sensation Aaqib Nabi. Sourav Ganguly, ever the talent spotter, has publicly lobbied BCCI for Nabi’s national team breakthrough.
On X, Ganguly declared, ‘J&K showcased ambition’s triumph worldwide. Pride swells in their area. Rigorous conditions breed resilience. Aaqib Nabi is India-ready—England this summer awaits.’ Direct tags to BCCI and selector Ajit Agarkar underscore urgency for the July tour of five T20Is and three ODIs, pivotal for World Cup 2027.
Nabi’s ledger dazzles: final opener 5/54 in 23 overs, collapsing Karnataka for 293 post J&K’s 584. Quarters: 8 wickets vs MP; semis: 9 vs Bengal + 42 runs, both POTM awards.
Toss to bat yielded bounty—Shubham Pundir 121, Yawar Hasan Khan 88, Sahil Lotra 72, Paras Dogra 70, Kanhaiya Wadhavan 70, Abdul Samad 61. Karnataka’s Mayank Agarwal battled to 160, but Nabi’s fire ensured a 291-run chasm.
First-innings edge positions J&K for victory even in a draw. Ganguly’s advocacy spotlights domestic cricket’s role in unearthing stars, potentially injecting new vigor into India’s bowling arsenal amid global commitments.