But Nabi’s emergence has taken two seasons of sustained excellence. That is the harder part to replicate in a tournament that travels the length and breadth of the country and is played across different geographies, conditions and surfaces.
J&K’s challenge as they step out to defend their title will be to find new heroes. Their achievement is remarkable enough given the region’s limited infrastructure. Sustained success, however challenging, could bring renewed attention to the need for better facilities in a state where the BCCI has shown, or at least sought to project, a keen interest.
As exciting as it is to see swing bowlers like Nabi or Bhuvneshwar run through batting line-ups, the upcoming season will also throw up a grand opportunity for the spinners who are next in line. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming up in early 2027, and India keen on expanding their pool of options, some spots will be up for grabs.
While the opening round may belong to India’s established names, the season will be shaped by those who make the most of the weeks that follow. Some, like Shami, could strengthen their claims for a comeback, others will push for a first opportunity, and a few may emerge from relative obscurity.
If we get another fascinating story, like J&K’s, it’ll be a potboiler of a season.
