Harsha Bhogle questioned the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for leaving out Auqib Nabi from the Indian Test team for the one-off clash against Afghanistan from June 6. The match will mark the first red-ball international match that the Shubman Gill-led side will play since the humiliating 2-0 home series defeat against South Africa in November.
Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s absence and Akash Deep missing out due to an injury, the selectors did not give Nabi a call-up. Instead, Gurnoor Brar was called up to the national team for the first time in his career. He is one of three pacers in the 15-man squad alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Bhogle questioned the call and stated that it does not send out the right message to other players that are playing domestic cricket. The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that it was fine even if the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) star did not get a chance in the playing XI, but he should have been part of the squad. He also played down concern over his pace.
“I must admit, I thought Auqib Nabi would be there.There’s some talk about whether he’s quick enough or not. It doesn’t matter to me at all. It doesn’t matter what pace he’s bowling. It doesn’t matter if he’s bowling donkey drops. If he’s given you a hundred-plus wickets in two years at about 14, he needs to be encouraged. Just to remind other people playing first-class cricket that, look, you deliver performances like that,” said Bhogle in a video on his Youtube Channel.
“You make the test score. I don’t mind if Auqib Nabi is not playing in the test match, in the actual 11, but I think the message that has to go out is that he’s playing. Look, I don’t think fitness is an issue. Auqib Nabi Dar has done everything that a bowler could do in India. I mean, remember, he also gives you a little batting option down at number nine, maybe, but that is irrelevant. So disappointed, I’m sure. Look, I rate this selection committee, let’s be honest, and they must have had their thoughts behind not picking Auqib Nabi Dar, but I just worry about the message going out,” Bhogle added.
Nabi was the star of J&K’s historic Ranji Trophy win this season. He was the competition’s highest wicket taker- in the 2025-26 season with 60 dismissals in 10 matches at an average of 12.56. Even in the 2024-25 season, he took 44 wickets in eight matches at an average of 13.93 and was the second-highest wicket-taker.
However, Bhogle praised Brar’s inclusion and claimed he is highly rated among the fast-bowling community and seen as the next big thing.
“The interesting addition in Gurnool Brar, we’ve not seen a lot of him though. He’s turned in some really impressive performances for India A.
“I remember I talked to a couple of fast bowlers and said, who’s the next cab of the rank? And they said, watch out for Gurnoor Brar. Six-foot-five-inch, gets a bit of bounce, and he’s done all right for India A,” Bhogle concluded.
This article summarizes a report by Harsha Bhogle. While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of ‘intent’ remain those of the creator. This content is for educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical/nutritional advice.