'No excuses if you want to play for India': The philosophy that shaped Aaqib Nabi
Fast bowler Aaqib Nabi has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian Test cricket squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. His selection follows two successful Ranji Trophy seasons and highlights his journey from humble beginnings in Baramulla to elite-level cricket.
Why it matters
It highlights the success of grassroots talent development in Jammu & Kashmir and the rise of a new pace-bowling prospect for the Indian national team.
NEW DELHI: There was a time when Aaqib Nabi didn't own a pair of bowling spikes.For his first U-19 trial in Jammu & Kashmir, the fast bowler from Baramulla borrowed a pair from a friend. When he eventually earned selection, fate threw up another twist. The friend who had lent him the spikes didn't make the squad. Aaqib borrowed another pair from him and played his entire first U-19 tournament in borrowed shoes.Today, Aaqib is making a name for himself with a skill that many fast bowlers spend years trying to master: the ability to swing the ball both ways.
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