India’s latest Test squad selection has once again sparked debate over how domestic performances are rewarded. After the announcement of the squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan questioned the selectors’ decision to leave out promising fast bowler Auqib Nabi.
The discussion gained momentum after Madhya Pradesh spinner Saransh Jain received his maiden India Test call-up. While Saransh Jain’s selection was widely appreciated, Irfan Pathan wondered why Auqib Nabi, who has consistently impressed in domestic cricket, continues to miss out.
Auqib Nabi was also overlooked for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, even though he travelled with the Indian team as a net bowler. During the domestic season, he played a major role in helping Jammu and Kashmir win their historic Ranji Trophy title, including delivering a match-winning spell against Karnataka in the final.
The fast bowler further strengthened his case during the India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets across two four-day matches. Despite those performances, he was once again left out of the senior Test squad.
Speaking to a sports portal, Irfan Pathan said he could not understand the reasoning behind Auqib Nabi’s exclusion. He questioned why Mohammed Siraj, who is one of India’s leading fast bowlers and the team’s primary pace option whenever Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable, was selected for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, especially since the match was not part of the World Test Championship. Irfan Pathan argued that if domestic performances are truly valued, players like Auqib Nabi should be rewarded with opportunities.
Irfan Pathan also made a strong case for recognising consistent performances in domestic cricket. He said a bowler should not be judged only by pace but also by the ability to trouble quality batters and create chances.
He pointed out that Auqib Nabi has regularly challenged some of the best batters in domestic cricket and even impressed against experienced players, including KL Rahul, during the Ranji Trophy final. According to Irfan Pathan, such performances deserved recognition and delaying opportunities for talented fast bowlers could prevent them from reaching their full potential at the international level.
Irfan Pathan does make sense but who knows what selectors are thinking….
