P Krishna Kumar, Jammu & Kashmir’s bowling coach in Ranji Trophy, never doubted that Aaquib Nabi was the sharpest arrow in his quiver. But the warrior needed his charioteer to guide him with direction. “When I came to J&K as coach, it was evident Aaquib had a beautiful natural bowling action, like Md Shami’s wrist position. But his outswinger needed variations for him to become effective. Not only is he a skilled bowler, he learns quickly,” coach Krishna says about the leading domestic wicket-taker, though it’s early days in the Ranji season – only two matches old.

Yet, his 17 wickets, including a 7/24 match haul against Rajasthan in the second round, and an average of 9.25, make Aaquib a fast bowling talent, to sit up and take notice, if you can look past a speed gun and the fixation wit

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