For years, Indian domestic cricket has carried one simple promise. If you perform consistently in the Ranji Trophy, the Indian team will eventually notice you. Score runs, take wickets, win big matches, and your opportunity will come. But for Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, that belief took a serious hit on May 20. When the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announced India’s squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, Nabi’s name was missing. And for many who closely followed the domestic season, it was difficult to understand why.
The Exceptional Aqib Nabi
Because if domestic performances truly matter, Nabi had done almost everything possible to earn that call-up. Last season, the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler was exceptional in the Ranji Trophy. He finished with 60 wickets at an incredible average of 12.57 and was one of the biggest reasons behind his team’s historic campaign. More than the numbers, it was the way he delivered in crucial moments that stood out.
The clearest example came in the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka. On the biggest stage of the tournament, Nabi produced the spell of his career. He dismissed KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair, three of the most experienced red-ball batters in Indian cricket. His five-wicket haul broke the backbone of Karnataka’s batting lineup and helped Jammu and Kashmir create history.
Why Gurn00r Brar over Aqib Nabi?
Yet when India picked their squad, the selectors went with Gurnoor Brar instead. To be fair, Brar has shown promise. The Punjab pacer had a decent Ranji season, taking 23 wickets in seven matches, and he also impressed during India A games in Australia. His height and ability to generate bounce clearly worked in his favour, especially in overseas conditions.
The Indian team management appears to be looking beyond just current domestic numbers. They are trying to build a group of fast bowlers for the future, especially with overseas tournaments and conditions in mind. Brar fits that profile tall, aggressive and capable of extracting bounce from helpful pitches.
Ajit Agarkar himself hinted at that vision while speaking after the squad announcement. The selectors are already planning for future events like the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa and want to invest in players who could become long-term assets.That approach is understandable. Every team thinks ahead. Every management wants to develop players early.
If a bowler dominates the Ranji Trophy, performs under pressure, takes the most wickets in the country and still cannot break into the Test side, then what exactly is the value of domestic red-ball cricket today? This is not about creating a rivalry between Nabi and Brar. Both are talented fast bowlers with different strengths. Brar deserves credit for his progress, and his selection is not the issue.
Ranji Trophy is key to Indian test team
The real discussion is about the message being sent to players in domestic cricket.For years, cricketers have been told that Ranji Trophy performances are the biggest pathway to Test cricket. But decisions like this make that path look less clear than before. And for someone like Auqib Nabi, who did everything expected from a red-ball fast bowler last season, the wait for recognition continues.
Read More
ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya Penalised By BCCI After Code Of Conduct Violation
