Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has questioned the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee over its approach to rewarding domestic performers, using Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi as a prime example. Pathan wondered why Nabi, despite delivering consistently in domestic cricket and for India A, was overlooked for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, while Mohammed Siraj was picked for a match that did not even count towards the World Test Championship (WTC).
The debate surrounding domestic cricket’s importance resurfaced after Madhya Pradesh spinner Saransh Jain earned his maiden India call-up for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. While Jain’s selection has been widely appreciated, Pathan believes Nabi deserved similar recognition much earlier.
Auqib Nabi had travelled with the Indian team as a net bowler ahead of the Afghanistan Test but failed to make the final squad. The right-arm pacer then strengthened his case with an outstanding domestic campaign, playing a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph. His standout performance came in the final against Karnataka, where he produced a match-winning spell against a batting lineup featuring several experienced names.
ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar Shares Emotional Guru Purnima Tribute For Coach Ramakant Achrekar
The 24-year-old also impressed during the India A tour of Sri Lanka, picking up six wickets across two four-day matches. Despite proving himself across multiple levels, Nabi was once again ignored when the selectors named India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Test series.
Speaking to Sportstar, Irfan Pathan admitted he could not understand the selectors’ logic behind Nabi’s omission.
“I honestly don’t have any logical answer for Nabi not being picked. I did not understand the selection process. Mohammad Siraj is your go-to bowler. When (Jasprit) Bumrah isn’t there, Siraj becomes your No.1 bowler. So, what was the need to play against Afghanistan in a Test that was not even part of the World Test Championship? If domestic performances matter, why did you not reward Auqib?” he added.
WATCH – Ajinkya Rahane Announces International Retirement After Illustrious Career For India
Pathan also argued that a fast bowler’s impact cannot be judged solely by pace. According to him, Nabi has consistently troubled some of the best batters in domestic cricket, including KL Rahul during the Ranji Trophy final, proving he possesses the quality required for Test cricket. He concluded by warning that delaying opportunities for promising fast bowlers could ultimately cost Indian cricket during their peak years.
