[WATCH] ‘Bahut Bada Moment Hai’

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi received a hero’s welcome from his teammates after earning his maiden India Test call-up on Monday, August 3. The 29-year-old was named as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle.

Nabi’s selection comes on the back of an outstanding domestic season. The Baramulla-born fast bowler finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, earning a long-awaited opportunity at the highest level.

His call-up also marks a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. While Parvez Rasool remains the only player from the region to have represented India in international cricket, featuring in one ODI and one T20I, no cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir has previously played Test cricket.

Shortly after the BCCI announced India’s updated Test squad, Auqib’s Jammu and Kashmir teammates expressed their delight over his selection in a video shared by Star Sports on X. They described the moment as a source of pride for the entire region and hoped it would inspire aspiring cricketers from the valley.

“Congratulations bolna chahunga kyuki ye ek bahut bada moment hota hai. Aur hum sab ke liye bhi ye ek bahut bada proud ka moment hai. Har ek youngster yahi ka dream hota hai ki vo India ke liye khele toh main unko congratulations bolna chahunga,” Auqib’s teammate Mohammad Junaid said.

Another teammate praised Nabi’s perseverance and highlighted the years of hard work behind his achievement.

“Mashallah! Auqib Nabi ne bahut mehnat kari hai. Pichle 10 saal se vo continue mehnat kar rahe hai aur uske baad aaj jaake selection hui hai toh ye Jammu and Kashmir ke liye bahut badi baat hai,” said another teammate.

A third teammate echoed similar sentiments, saying Nabi’s journey would encourage the next generation of cricketers from the region.

“J&K ke liye ye bahut hi bada moment hai, isse yaha ke youngsters ko yakeen milega ki mehnat se har koi manzil phauch sakta hai,” another teammate added.

Watch the clip here – 

Before receiving his maiden India call-up, Auqib had featured in 43 first-class matches, claiming 162 wickets. He has also contributed with the bat, scoring 999 runs, underlining his value as a dependable lower-order batter in domestic cricket.

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