Those performances earned him an 84m rupees (£730,000; $982,000) Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with Delhi Capitals. Although opportunities in the IPL were limited, his red-ball exploits had already caught the attention of India's selectors.

For Rasool, Auqib's Test call-up carries significance far beyond one player.

"Playing Test cricket is the ultimate dream for any cricketer. It was my dream too. Seeing Auqib earn that call-up fills me with immense pride.

"In a way, it feels like a dream many of us in Jammu and Kashmir carried has finally been realised through him. It is a historic moment not just for Auqib and his family, but for cricket across the region."

He believes Auqib's journey is remarkable not just because he reached the Indian team, but because of where he came from.

"Making it to the Indian team is incredibly difficult for any player, but the challenge is even greater when you come from Jammu and Kashmir. For years, we have had limited infrastructure, fewer opportunities and many obstacles that players from other parts of the country don't necessarily face.

"To reach this level, you need exceptional consistency, mental strength and the determination to keep believing in yourself. Auqib has shown all of those qualities, which is why this achievement is so special."