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Auqib Nabi took 60 wickets in Ranji Trophy 2025/26. PC-AFP/X
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to announce the Test and ODI squads for the upcoming multi-format series against Afghanistan, scheduled to commence right after the IPL 2026.
As reported earlier, the Indian selectors have decided to pick a full-strength 15-member Test squad under the leadership of Shubman Gill. However, whether Jasprit Bumrah plays or gets rested will be a major question.
If Bumrah gets rested, the question of the hour will be which faster bowler will be named for the one-off Test vs Afghanistan, alongside Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar groomed as Bumrah's backup?
If Jasprit Bumrah doesn't get picked in the IND vs AFG Squad, J&K's Auqib Nabi and Punjab-based Gurnoor Brar are next in line. Although Brar hasn’t played much red-ball cricket of late, the BCCI has been grooming him as India’s fast-bowling future.
Nabi, on the other hand, starred in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, where J&K lifted its maiden silverware, and the seamer finished with a record 60 wickets in just 10 matches at an incredible average of 12.57.
The 29-year-old right-arm pacer was fast-tracked, and the Delhi Capitals picked him ahead of the IPL 2026. However, he has faced challenging times in the lucrative T20 league, failing to take his maiden IPL wicket despite four attempts.
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Auqib Nabi's pace an issue ahead of Test debut
The BCCI has been a firm believer in not mixing formats. Thus, the Ranji performer Auqib Nabi’s name has been making waves for a spot in the IND vs AFG Test squad.
As per a report from PTI’s journalist Kushan Sarkar, Nabi’s place is under scrutiny due to his ability to bowl at a substandard pace. Although if he gets picked in the 15-member squad, a Test debut will be a long shot for the J&K bowler, as reported.
"Auqib Nabi has 60 wickets, but his pace isn't something that has impressed one and all. Even if he makes 15, Test debut is long shot. There remains chance he won't be picked," reportedly said the journalist.
Headaches for team management in ODI setup
Apart from Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar, the names that are being floated are of the LSG-famed Prince Yadav and KKR's Kartik Tyagi after their exploits in the IPL 2026. Although Yadav and Tyagi are not named in the India A squad for the Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, the two will be best utilised in the ODI formats.
The BCCI has to reveal the ODI squad for the series vs Afghanistan, where tough calls will be made on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is still more than a year and a half away.
Moreover, Hardik Pandya’s back issue is also a concern for the Indian team management. Rishabh Pant, India’s back-up wicketkeeper, is reportedly slated to lose his place to Ishan Kishan.
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