'Auqib Nabi shouldn't have come as a replacement': Ex-cricketer on India squad
Auqib Nabi earned a place in India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. He replaces the injured fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the team. Nabi's selection follows his strong performances in domestic cricket competitions. He took 104 wickets across two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons. Nabi becomes the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to reach this milestone.
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has expressed his support and surprise over the inclusion of fast bowler Auqib Nabi in India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Jaffer, who is a former opener, believes that Nabi's impressive performances in domestic cricket should have warranted his selection in the initial squad, not just as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Jaffer praised Nabi's remarkable run in domestic cricket, highlighting his outstanding performances during Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy-winning campaign. He noted that Nabi had already established himself as one of the country's leading pace bowlers, having claimed 104 wickets, including 60 during the 2025-26 season. Nabi's contributions with both the ball and lower-order batting further strengthened his case for a place in India's Test team.
The right-arm seamer's inclusion marks a significant achievement for the young cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir, as he becomes the first player from his region to earn a Test cap based on his performances. Jaffer expressed his hope that Nabi would seize the opportunity if given the chance, emphasizing the need for players who perform consistently at the highest level to be given first-choice selections.
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