Published on: Jun 2, 2026 5:24 pm IST|Updated on: Jun 2, 2026 5:24 pm IST
Good news for Auqib Nabi Dar fans: the right-arm pacer from Baramullah, Kashmir, is all set to join Team India’s squad as a net bowler for the only Test against Afghanistan to be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in New Chandigarh from June 06. The 29-year-old comes as a late addition to the squad, which was announced on May 19.
The Baramullah pacer is one of the standout performers in the last two Ranji seasons. Auqib, who bowls around 130-138 kmph, has picked up a whopping 104 wickets in just 18 matches across two Ranji seasons at a fabulous average of 13.14. In fact, he played an instrumental role in the 2025-26 Ranji season to help Jammu and Kashmir win their first-ever Ranji title. He scalped 44 wickets in the 2024-25 season and 60 in the 2025-26 Ranji season.
Auqib’s impressive showing in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons helped him secure an IPL contract this year with the Delhi Capitals for a staggering ₹8.40 crore. However, his exclusion from India’s Test squad for the one‑off match against Afghanistan sparked widespread debate among fans.
Despite this mountain of wickets, the selectors preferred Punjab’s tall speedster Gurnoor Brar for the final squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Brar’s 6-foot-5 frame and ability to bowl at 145 kmph gave him an edge, whereas Auqib generally operates in the late 135 kmph range.
This explanation caused a massive uproar. Former India captain and ex-chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar publicly questioned the decision, asking what the value of the Ranji Trophy is if a player who takes 60 wickets and wins the title is completely ignored.
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Auqib Nabi isn’t the only bowler to get a late call into the Indian Test squad as a net bowler. He will be joined alongside 5 other bowlers: Prince Yadav (right-arm medium pacer), Gurjapneet Singh (left-arm medium pacer), Zeeshan Ansari (right-arm leg spinner), Shivang Kumar (left-arm wrist spinner), and Saransh Jain (off-spinner).
All the aforementioned names will provide assistance to Team India’s bowling unit, which includes Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. The duo just finished an exhausting IPL 2026 campaign where they played three high-intensity playoff games in a span of five days for the Gujarat Titans. Because of the intense heat and heavy travel, the management does not want Siraj and Krishna to bowl flat-out during practice sessions. To ensure the Indian batsmen get top-quality practice, Auqib, along with fellow bowlers, was brought into the setup. A senior BCCI official explained the situation, stating,
“Yes, Auqib Nabi has been asked to join the India nets. It is not just Auqib but there are six others, who have also been called to join the India nets. Due to extreme weather conditions, the two premier fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna can’t go flat out in the nets after a gruelling three games in seven days with travel. The batters would need adequate practice.”
The only Test between India and Afghanistan will be played from June 6th at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in New Chandigarh. This will be Team India’s first-ever Test match at this venue.
Shubman Gill will lead the side, which features almost the same contingent in the batting unit from India’s last Test series at home against South Africa. One major overhaul in the squad is the appointment of KL Rahul as Shubman’s deputy. The experienced opener takes over the reins from Rishabh Pant, who was appointed Shubman Gill’s deputy last year when Team India toured England for 5 Tests.
On the bowling front, seniors Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja have been rested for this Test match. Jasprit has been replaced by Punjab’s pacer Gurnoor Brar, whereas Ravindra has been replaced by another left-spin bowling option, Rajasthan’s Manav Suthar. Both Brar and Suthar have earned their first call-up in the Indian Test squad.
Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harsh Dubey, and Washington Sundar will handle the spin bowling department, whereas Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar will form the pace attack. Check out the full squad below.
Team India Test Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey