3 players who could be the next big Test cricket stars
From record-breaking domestic seasons to historic title wins, these three cricketers are making a strong case for Test recognition.
1. Auqib Nabi
Auqib Nabi is a fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir who was selected in the North Zone squad for the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy. He played a central role in one of Indian domestic cricket's most remarkable stories in recent memory.
Nabi was named Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, a season in which Jammu and Kashmir claimed their first-ever Ranji Trophy title. The final was played on February 28, 2026, at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli, where J&K posted 584 and restricted Karnataka to 293. Prior to this season, J&K had never previously reached the top four in any Ranji Trophy competition. Nabi had also finished joint-second in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy bowling charts with 44 wickets, behind only Harsh Dubey's record 69. His consistency across two successive seasons and his match-winning ability in a historic title campaign make him the standout name on this list.
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