Auqib Nabi dismisses Kuldeep Yadav [Source: X]Auqib Nabi, the pace sensation from Jammu and Kashmir, made his County Championship debut on September 3, and it became more special because he bagged his maiden wicket for the tournament by dismissing his India teammate.Nabi is one of the speedsters that India recognised after his sensational Ranji Trophy exploits. He was picked by the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 but failed miserably on the flat tracks, going wicketless in his 5 innings. However, in County cricket, on English conditions, Nabi finally got a breakthrough he needed.Auqib Nabi removes Kuldeep Yadav as his first County wicketPlaying for Surrey, Nabi managed one wicket from his 15 overs as he removed Yorkshire player Kuldeep Yadav. During the first ball of the 71st over, Kuldeep Yadav was taking strike, and Auqib Nabi had the ball. Nabi came in over the wicket to the left-handed Kuldeep, who is also a veteran spinner for India. Nabi pitched a good-length delivery outside the off stump, which swung away. Kuldeep Yadav, trying to play a drive, left a big gap between his bat and pads and nicked the ball with the outside edge of his bat. Watch the video below:Surrey Cricket @surreycricket Auqib Nabi gets his first Surrey wicket as Kuldeep Yadav is caught at second slip by Ollie Pope. ✅ Yorkshire 170/8 at the Kia Oval. 🤎 | #CountyChampionship Sep 3, 2026, 4:01 PM As he misplayed it, Ollie Pope, stationed at second slip in the slip cordon, comfortably pouched the catch as Nabi celebrated with joy after completing the wicket. Kuldeep Yadav was frustrated, but his stay was a commendable one, as he scored 17 runs while pairing at the crease for 53 deliveries alongside Dom Bess.Also Read- Hampshire Undertake Urgent Damage Control On Scott Kuggeleijn CaseHow did Nabi got his maiden County stint?Auqib Nabi’s maiden County stint was not a routine overseas opportunity, though. Surrey found themselves heading into a punishing stretch of six matches in six weeks and needed a swing bowler capable of adding freshness to their attack, and Nabi emerged as the right fit.At the same time, the Indian team management saw an opportunity beyond the immediate assignment. With India’s two-Test tour of New Zealand on the horizon, Nabi could use English conditions as a valuable red-ball laboratory.The move was reportedly recommended by the Indian think-tank, while Surrey Director of Men’s Cricket Alec Stewart helped turn the idea into reality through discussions with BCCI officials.After receiving his UK work visa clearance on August 29, Auqib Nabi flew to London as Surrey officially announced his three-match deal on September 1.Auqib’s County performance an audition for BCCI’s bigger picture?Auqib Nabi's Surrey stint could be more than just a County assignment because it offers a glimpse into India’s Test plans for him. Sending the Jammu & Kashmir pacer to England, where swing and seam can dictate the game, gives him the perfect environment to learn, adapt and understand conditions that could resemble those in New Zealand.That makes his chances of featuring on India’s New Zealand tour in November worth watching. The move itself suggests the selectors and team management see Nabi as part of the wider Test picture, even if his place is not guaranteed.Australia, however, presents a different challenge. The preference for the home tour is likely to be for better pace, length and experience, making Auqib Nabi’s route into the squad considerably tougher. His performances for Surrey could therefore become crucial. If he turns his English learning curve into consistent red-ball performances, Nabi could force his way into the BCCI selection table.Also Read- Exclusive: Finn Allen Joins Glasgow Cosmic For ETPL 2026
