Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi Dar has been called to bowl in India nets before the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting June 6. His earlier omission from the Test squad drew widespread criticism. He joins six other bowlers, including Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari.
Ansari, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, has been picked as Afghanistan are expected to field wrist spinners. Auqib remains outside the 15-member main squad. He is listed among stand-bys Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar.
A BCCI source explained the move, citing weather and workload. "Yes, Auqib Nabi has been asked to join the India nets. It is not just Auqib, but six others have also been called to join the India nets,"
a source said, quoted by PTI.
The source added that fast bowlers need protection. "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 source said.
Ranji form, selection debate and practice plans
Auqib took 60 wickets and finished as the highest wicket-taker while guiding Jammu and Kashmir to Ranji Trophy triumph. He lost out to gangly Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar for a Test squad spot. The decision sparked debate over the value placed on Ranji performances.
Former India captain and ex-chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar raised concerns. He questioned the sanctity of the Ranji Trophy if strong season numbers did not earn national selection. Auqib's call-up as a net bowler partly eases, but does not settle that conversation.
The Indian team will hold its first practice session on Tuesday afternoon. Players who featured in the IPL final are unlikely to train on that opening day. Workload and recovery remain priorities for the coaching staff and medical team.
Gujarat Titans players in India Test squad
Seven Gujarat Titans cricketers are part of the Test squad. They include captain Shubman Gill and several young players. Their IPL commitments, plus travel and conditions, are also part of the team's workload planning for the Afghanistan fixture in early June.
The combination of Ranji form, IPL workloads and June weather has shaped India's preparation plan. Auqib Nabi's presence in the nets offers batters quality practice while allowing frontline fast bowlers to manage their bodies before the Afghanistan Test begins.
