'Auqib Nabi is a Magician, Umran Malik can lead J&K Bowling': Jammu and Kashmir Bowling Coach P. Krishnakumar | Exclusive

It has been a dream season for Jammu and Kashmir who have qualified for their first-ever Ranji Trophy Final. They are up against Karnataka for the biggest prize in domestic cricket and it has been an emergence of Jammu and Kashmir cricket, which has been threatening in recent years.

In the emergence, Auqib Nabi has played a key part. The Baramulla-born pacer has spearheaded J&K this season with 55 wickets and some crucial runs with the bat. Paras Dogra has captained the team immensely, while the likes of Abid Mushtaq, Abdul Samad and others have played crucial roles as well.

P. Krishnakumar, Jammu and Kashmir's bowling coach, is a veteran cricketer from Rajasthan with over 20 years of coaching expertise. A former Ranji Trophy captain for Rajasthan, he played 70+ first-class matches.

An integral part of head coach Ajay Sharma's setup, Krishnakumar's tactical genius has transformed J&K's pace attack, guiding them to the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final. And just after they beat Bengal in Kalyani in the semifinal, Krishnakumar sat with MyKhel for an interview, where he pinpointed the roles of JK's two premier pacers, Auqib Nabi and Umran Malik.

Auqib has been a force for them. The 29-year-old has been the best pacer in the country for the last two seasons and got his reward with a lucrative IPL deal with Delhi Capitals. Apart from that, Auqib is also knocking on the doors for an India setup as well. While speaking about Auqib, Krishnakumar points out the biggest strength which has made him a class apart.

"I'd call him a magician. The balls he's bowled this Ranji Trophy season, and the previous one too, are unlike anything I've seen in my entire coaching career. Auqib Nabi's greatest strength is his wrist position; it's incredibly strong. His accuracy is 100%, he sees the ball perfectly, and he swings it both ways. He's a complete bowler. That's it-he's a magician."

Another pacer from Jammu, Umran Malik, has already represented India. Part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup in IPL, Umran's trajectory took a hit after a long-term injury. And as the pacer gears up to full fitness, Krishnakumar reveals Umran can again spearhead Jammu and Kashmir's bowling attack in the upcoming season.

"Umran is a top bowler. Missing a full season due to injury isn't easy for any player. Making a comeback is even tougher. Indian cricket has improved so much now-it's not simple for someone who's been out for a year to return to the main system and perform consistently. He's working incredibly hard, though. I'm sure that next year, he'll definitely be our team's main bowler."