Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been drafted into India's Test squad setup as a backup and net bowler for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, beginning June 6, 2026, at Mullanpur.
The 29-year-old pacer, who played a pivotal role in Jammu & Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2025-26 season, joined the national team camp along with a group of net bowlers to assist with preparations.
Nabi's domestic form this season has been exceptional. He picked up 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy at a stellar average of around 12.57, including several five-wicket hauls. With over 150 first-class wickets at under 19 apiece, his consistent performances have drawn significant attention from the cricket fraternity.
Chief selector Ajit
Agarkar had earlier stated that Nabi was "very close to selection but the team opted for other seam options better suited to current home conditions. However, his inclusion as a net and backup bowler now gives him valuable exposure to the senior team environment under captain Shubman Gill.
This move aligns with the BCCI's strategy of rewarding consistent red-ball performers and providing promising domestic talent with high-level experience. With several key pacers managing workloads after a gruelling IPL season, Nabi and fellow net bowlers will play a crucial role in giving India's batters quality practice ahead of the Afghanistan Test.
BCCI have added a total of six net bowlers to join the Indian team for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan. Apart from Nabi, SRH spinner Zeeshan Ansari has also been included. The other players added are Saransh Jain, Gurjapneet Singh, Prince Yadav and Shivang Kumar.
India Squad for Afghanistan Test Match
Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vc), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wk)
