BCCI Makes New Plan For Auqib Nabi India Debut After Afghanistan Test Squad Ignorance

Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar and Auqib Nabi (Source:AFP/X)

India's squad announcement for the upcoming Afghanistan series have become the talk of the town for several reasons, but the biggest talking point was the omission of Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi from the one-off Test squad.

Despite producing extraordinary performances in domestic cricket, Auqib Nabi failed to find a place in the team announced by the BCCI selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar.

India's squad for Afghanistan series named

The BCCI announced squads for India's one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan on May 19. The selectors introduced several fresh faces while also managing the workload of senior players. 

Jasprit Bumrah has been rested from both squads, while Ravindra Jadeja's workload has also been managed carefully. 

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are included in the ODI squad, but are subject to fitness clearance after injury issues during IPL 2026.

The selectors also made major leadership and squad changes. KL Rahul has been named the vice-captain in Tests, replacing Rishabh Pant, who was removed from the role and also dropped entirely from the ODI squad.

Also Read: India vs Afghanistan Squad Announced- Full List Of Common Players In ODIs And Test

Ishan Kishan has returned to the ODI setup, while Prince Yadav (only ODI) and Gurnoor Brar have been included in the both the squads.

India's schedule for Afghanistan 2026

India will host Afghanistan immediately after the conclusion of IPL 2026. The tour will begin with a one-off Test match at Mullanpur from June 6 to June 10. After the red-ball contest, both teams will move into a three-match ODI series.

The ODI matches will be played in Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Chennai. 

Auqib Nabi ignored for One-Off Test vs Afghanistan

Auqib Nabi's exclusion came as a surprise to many, considering his outstanding domestic record. His ability to generate bounce and maintain disciplined line and length made him a strong contender for selection for the Afghanistan tour of India 2026. 

During the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, he played a major role in helping Jammu and Kashmir win their maiden title.

Latest Update on Auqib Nabi's debut for India

Even though Auqib Nabi missed out on the Afghanistan Test squad, the BCCI appears to have prepared a long-term roadmap for his India debut. 

According to reports from PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar, Auqib Nabi is expected to feature in India A matches against Australia A and Sri Lanka A later this year.

India A will play two four-day matches against Australia A in Puducherry from September 22-25 and September 29-October 2. The teams will also play three one-day matches on October 6, 9, and 11 at the same venue.

Reports further suggest Nabi could feature in four India A games against Sri Lanka A and Australia A. Strong performances in those matches may open the door for selection during India's tour of New Zealand later in 2026.

India's New Zealand tour is expected to begin around October 22 and could include five ODIs, five T20Is, and two Test matches.

Kushan Sarkar

@kushansarkar

Auqib Nabi, if all goes well, will be picked for 2 India A Test matches against Australia A in Puducherry. If he does well, may be New Zealand can happen.

Kushan Sarkar

@kushansarkar

He will play 4 games vs SL A and Aus A. If he does well, then NZ Tour.

Auqib Nabi's Ranji Trophy performance

Auqib Nabi in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, finished as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 60 wickets in 17 innings at an average of 12.56 and an economy rate of 2.65.

He also claimed seven five-wicket hauls and produced several match-winning spells during Jammu and Kashmir's historic title-winning campaign.

His performances were rewarded during the IPL 2026 auction when Delhi Capitals signed him for Rs 8.40 crore.

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