Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lauded Nabi’s remarkable display, calling him “absolutely special” and suggesting he is not far from earning a Test cap for India. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan likened Nabi to a “diesel engine” — taking time to find rhythm, but once in motion, virtually unstoppable.
“Aqib Nabi was called a diesel engine. Once he started, he wouldn’t look back. He can bowl eight- or ten-hour spells without getting tired. He has a straight seam, which allows for significant late movement. He bowls long spells and consistently troubles even top-quality batters,” Pathan said.
Highlighting Nabi’s all-round abilities, Pathan added, “He has taken 55 wickets this season and scored 243 runs. He can bat and bowl effectively, and he fits into the pool of fast bowlers India needs for red-ball cricket. I’ve followed his growth since 2018-19, and his progress has been outstanding.”
In the semi-final, Bengal posted 328 in their first innings, with Sudip Kumar Gharami scoring 146. Nabi’s five-wicket haul (5/87) kept J&K in the contest. Despite a shaky first innings of 231/8, a crucial ninth-wicket partnership of 64 runs between Nabi (42 off 54) and Yudhvir Singh lifted J&K to 302, narrowing the deficit to 26 runs.
In Bengal’s second innings, Nabi struck immediately, dismissing Sudip Chatterjee lbw on the first ball, later removing Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran to finish with 4/36. His nine-wicket match haul (9/123) combined with Sunil Kumar’s support bowled Bengal out for 99 in just 25.1 overs. Chasing 126, J&K reached the target with 126/4, sealing a memorable six-wicket win and a historic place in the Ranji Trophy final.
