Jammu and Kashmir cricket has entered a new chapter of distinction, as Akib Nabi captained his side in the Ranji Trophy final for the first time while etching his name into the record books. At just 29, the right-arm pace bowler delivered a match-defining performance against Karnataka, guiding his team to a commanding position and setting a new benchmark in domestic cricket.
In the final’s first innings, Jammu and Kashmir amassed an imposing 584 runs, with opener Subham Pundi top-scoring with a fluent 121. Karnataka’s reply was significantly undermined by Nabi’s outstanding bowling. He claimed 5 wickets for just 54 runs in 23 overs, bowling the side out for 293 and giving Jammu and Kashmir a first-innings lead of 291. This haul brought his season tally to 60 wickets, surpassing the previous record of 59 wickets held by Uttarakhand’s Mayank Mishra, making Nabi the highest wicket-taker in a single Ranji Trophy season for Jammu and Kashmir.
Karnataka’s efforts were highlighted by Mayank Agarwal, who struck a valiant 160, while Prasidh Krishna impressed with 5 wickets, showcasing the competitive edge of the contest.
Jammu and Kashmir continued their dominance in the second innings, losing 3 wickets for 72 runs but maintaining a lead of 368 runs. This remarkable start in their first-ever Ranji final positions them firmly on course for a potential maiden championship.
Achieving 60 or more wickets in a single Ranji season is a rare feat; Nabi becomes only the seventh bowler in the tournament’s history to do so. Cricket analysts suggest that his performance not only strengthens his own reputation but could also pave the way for further growth in India’s domestic cricket landscape.
Leading Wicket-Takers in a Single Ranji Season
| Bowler | Team | Season | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harsh Dubey | Vidarbha | 2024–25 | 69 |
| Ashutosh Aman | Bihar | 2018–19 | 68 |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Saurashtra | 2019–20 | 67 |
| Bishan Singh Bedi | Delhi | 1974–75 | 64 |
| Duda Ganesh | Karnataka | 1998–99 | 62 |
| Kanwaljit Singh | Hyderabad | 1999–2000 | 62 |
| Akib Nabi | Jammu & Kashmir | 2025–26* | 60* |
Akib Nabi’s historic exploits are more than personal milestones; they signal a turning point for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. The team and its supporters are optimistic that this final could mark the first-ever Ranji Trophy triumph for the state, etching this season into the annals of Indian cricket history.
With both leadership and performance converging in Nabi’s hands, Jammu and Kashmir’s journey promises to be remembered as one of the most remarkable campaigns in recent domestic cricket.