India, Feb. 7 -- After years of perseverance, right-arm pacer Auqib Nabi Dar has emerged as Jammu & Kashmir's bowling spearhead this Ranji Trophy season, transforming from a peripheral figure to a match-winning force in a remarkable journey that spans five years.

In a season where spinners largely dominated, Dar bucked the trend. With 38 wickets to his name, including five five-wicket hauls at an average of 13.45, he stands tall as this season's second-highest wicket-taker and is one of just two pacers in the top ten wicket-takers list.

"It is a great feeling to have. I have worked very hard for it," Dar told HT. "I am looking forward to the knockouts."

As one of the very few players from Baramulla to have become a regular in the Ranji...