Auqib Nabi Jay Shah. Image Credits: X/AFP
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has launched a scathing attack on the national selection panel after Jammu & Kashmir’s pace spearhead Auqib Nabi was overlooked for India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan next month.
Despite a historic Ranji Trophy season where Auqib Nabi claimed 60 wickets and led his side to a maiden title, the selectors chose to hand a maiden call-up to Punjab’s Gurnoor Brar instead.
Auqib Nabi’s Unmatched Ranji Trophy Dominance
Nabi’s 2025-26 season was nothing short of extraordinary. In 10 matches, the 29-year-old swing bowler collected 60 wickets at a staggering average of 12.56 and was named Player of the Tournament.
His campaign was studded with match-defining spells. 5 for 54 in the first innings of the final against Karnataka in Hubbali, 9 for 123 in the semifinal against Bengal at Kalyani, and a remarkable 12 for 110 in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh in Indore. Across the season, Auqib Nabi registered seven five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls.
Vengsarkar and Others React To Nabi's Snub
Dilip Vengsarkar, himself a former chief selector, did not hold back when speaking to the Times of India.
“The selectors' decision to ignore him is absolutely absurd and baffling. What kind of selection is this? It is just not acceptable. It is injustice,” he said.
“Can you imagine Auqib Nabi's plight right now? He took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. He has worked hard for it and deserves a place ahead of everybody else.” Vengsarkar dismissed suggestions that Nabi’s pace was a concern, stressing his wicket-taking ability.
“You pick a bowler for his ability to get wickets. He may bowl at 130 kmph, but the important thing is his wicket-taking ability. This kid has shown tremendous consistency in getting wickets,” Dilip added.
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Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan added his voice on X, posting, “Do not discourage Ranji Trophy performances!”
Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi echoed the sentiment. “ Auqib Nabi's exclusion is baffling. If Ranji Trophy is the yardstick, then honour it by recognising performances. You cannot ignore someone who has been so consistent in red-ball cricket,” Hattangadi said.
The Selectors’ Explanation For The Different Choice
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted at Tuesday’s press conference that Auqib Nabi’s performances were discussed. Yet the committee ultimately opted for Gurnoor Brar, the Punjab and Gujarat Titans seamer who earned his first Test and ODI call-ups.
A source close to the developments defended the decision. “There is a highest run-getter and wicket-taker every Ranji season. Should selectors simply be replaced by stats analysts then?” the source asked, adding, “Gurnoor has done well for India A and also picked up 11 wickets in eight Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Punjab vs Mumbai.”
Bumrah’s Absence Was The Perfect Opportunity
With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the Afghanistan Test, Vengsarkar had seen it as the perfect opening.
“This was the ideal time to groom him. When a player is in form, you give him the opportunity then and there. You don't wait until he loses confidence, fitness or hunger,” he insisted.
In his most scathing remark, Vengsarkar questioned the very purpose of domestic tournaments if such returns go unrewarded.
“If domestic cricket performances are not a criterion, then the BCCI should scrap domestic cricket,” he said.
The statement has revived a long-running discussion on whether the sheer weight of runs and wickets in the Ranji Trophy should guarantee an India cap, or whether national selection demands additional layers of assessment.
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