Fast bowler Auqib Nabi has reportedly been added to India’s squad for the Test against Afghanistan as a backup player. The move is meant to expose the 29-year-old to the national set-up and assess him for future Test opportunities.
Domestic form
Nabi has been among the stand-out performers in domestic cricket for two seasons, taking 104 wickets in 18 Ranji Trophy matches. In 2024–25 he claimed 44 wickets at 13.93. In 2025–26 he went further with 60 wickets in 10 matches at 12.65.
That made him the first Jammu & Kashmir bowler to take more than 50 wickets in a Ranji season, and only the third fast bowler in the competition’s history to pass 60 in a campaign.
Historic title
Nicknamed the “Baramullah Express”, Nabi was central to Jammu & Kashmir’s first Ranji Trophy title. He took seven five-wicket hauls, including 5/54 in the first innings of the final against Karnataka, and was named Player of the Tournament.
Selection debate
Many expected him in the original squad, but selectors chose players such as Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar, prompting debate among fans and experts. His addition is seen as a sign selectors view him as a serious future option alongside pacers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
