Ranji Trophy Star Auqib Nabi Gets India Test Call-Up as Backup for Afghanistan Match

Domestic cricket’s most successful bowler this season has finally received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad. Auqib Nabi has joined the national team as a backup pacer for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, which begins on June 6 in Chandigarh.

The 29 year old swing bowler from Jammu and Kashmir was the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. He claimed an extraordinary 60 wickets at an incredible average of just 12.65, a haul that dominated the domestic circuit and turned heads across the country.

Despite these stunning numbers, Auqib Nabi was surprisingly left out of the initial 19 member squad announced on May 19. That omission drew sharp criticism from former cricketers, including legends Dilip Vengsarkar and Sanjay Manjrekar, who questioned why the country’s best domestic pacer was being overlooked.

The selectors have now corrected that decision, bringing Nabi into the setup as cover for the pace attack. His addition comes as the team manages injuries and workload for several key fast bowlers, who are either recovering from recent exertions or being rested for future commitments.

Nabi will train alongside his Jammu and Kashmir teammate Zeeshan Ansari and a group of other domestic quicks who have been called up for net duties. While he is currently only a backup option, this exposure to the national team environment will be invaluable for his development.

If Nabi continues his rich vein of form, he could find himself in serious contention for future Test tours. For now, the young swing bowler has earned a reward for a phenomenal domestic season, and Indian cricket has gained a promising new pace option.

                                               

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