Auqib Nabi called up as net bowler for India's Afghanistan Test in New Chandigarh
Synopsis
Auqib Nabi's 60-wicket Ranji Trophy campaign wasn't enough for a maiden Test cap — but it earned him a net-bowler berth with the India squad for the Afghanistan Test in New Chandigarh. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted he was 'close', making this a story about a door left ajar rather than shut.
Key Takeaways
Auqib Nabi of Jammu & Kashmir has been called up as a net bowler for India's one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh from 6-10 June .
Nabi picked 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy season, leading J&K to the title, but missed out on a full squad berth.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed Nabi was 'close' to selection; Gurnoor Brar was preferred as the back-up pacer.
Maiden Test call-ups were also handed to Gurnoor Brar , Manav Suthar , and Harsh Dubey .
Shubman Gill captains the side; KL Rahul is vice-captain.
The match does not count in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
This is only India and Afghanistan's second-ever Test ; India won the first in 2018 by an innings and 262 runs .
Jammu & Kashmir fast-bowler Auqib Nabi has been called up to join the India squad as a net bowler ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled at New Chandigarh from 6 to 10 June. The development comes after Nabi narrowly missed out on a maiden Test berth despite a standout domestic season.
A Season That Demanded Attention
Nabi was among the most talked-about performers of the recent Ranji Trophy season, picking up 60 wickets and steering Jammu & Kashmir to the title. His consistency had made him a strong candidate for a full Test call-up, and selectors acknowledged his proximity to selection.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, while addressing Nabi's omission at the squad announcement, said: 'There is always a chat around domestic performances. You do not necessarily pick a lot of seamers when you pick a Test team in India. And he was close. But at this point, we have gone with the three that we have picked.'
Who Made the Squad
The selectors opted for lanky Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar as the back-up fast-bowling option alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey were also handed maiden call-ups. All three — Brar, Suthar, and Dubey — have been India 'A' regulars after strong domestic showings.
Leadership and Batting Group
Shubman Gill will lead the side, with KL Rahul named vice-captain in place of Rishabh Pant. The batting unit features Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel. With Ravindra Jadeja rested, the spin bowling responsibilities fall to Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.
Context and What Is at Stake
This will be only the second Test between India and Afghanistan. India won the first encounter, played in 2018, by an innings and 262 runs. Notably, the upcoming fixture will not count towards the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. For Nabi, the net-bowler role offers a foot in the door — a chance to impress the coaching staff ahead of future selection windows.
Point of View
And Agarkar's 'he was close' admission only sharpens the question of what more is required. The broader issue is structural: India's selection calculus for home Tests heavily discounts pace depth, which means prolific seamers like Nabi can dominate domestic cricket for seasons without breaking through. The net-bowler route has occasionally led to full caps, but it is as much a consolation as an opportunity.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Auqib Nabi not selected in India's main squad for the Afghanistan Test?
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Nabi was 'close' to selection but that India does not necessarily pick a large number of seamers for home Tests. Gurnoor Brar was chosen as the back-up fast-bowling option alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
What is Auqib Nabi's role with the India squad?
Nabi has been called up as a net bowler, meaning he will help India's batters prepare in the nets ahead of the Afghanistan Test but is not part of the playing squad. It gives him exposure to the national setup without a formal cap.
When and where is the India vs Afghanistan Test being played?
The one-off Test is scheduled from 6 to 10 June at New Chandigarh. It will not be part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Who are the other new faces in India's squad for the Afghanistan Test?
Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, and left-arm spin all-rounder Harsh Dubey have all received maiden Test call-ups. All three have been regular performers for India 'A'.
What is the history between India and Afghanistan in Test cricket?
This will be only the second Test between the two sides. India won the first, played in 2018, by an innings and 262 runs.
