Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has backed Auqib Nabi’s maiden call-up for the Sri Lanka series, stating that the pace bowler deserved to be part of the initial India squad rather than being named as a replacement. The two-match Test series is set to begin on August 15 as well. With Jasprit Bumrah failing to recover from his left knee injury sustained last month, Auqib Nabi replaced him for his stunning performances in domestic cricket as well.

Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Wasim Jaffer Official), Jaffer said: “It’s a big thing and a very happy moment. And you are absolutely right that after performing so well, he (Auqib Nabi) probably shouldn’t have come in as a replacement in the first place. But better late than never. I’m very happy for him because he deserves to be in the initial squad.”

“When a player performs this well, he should be a first-choice selection. But anyway, congratulations to him for becoming the first player to make it through in the Test team from J&K and on the basis of his performance. I hope that if he gets an opportunity, he proves why he has performed so well,” he further added.

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However, Wasim Jaffer also added that Auqib Nabi’s inclusion shows that raw pace is not everything for a bowler, as seam and swing also play a crucial role. He cited Nabi’s impressive domestic record, where he claimed 104 wickets in 18 games across his last two Ranji Trophy campaigns as well.

“Taking wickets in the Ranji Trophy is not easy in the first place. To play the whole season and then bowl so well in two consecutive seasons is a big achievement. So, I hope he gets an opportunity somewhere. It also shows that bowling at 140 or 145 kmph is not everything. You also need to have skills with the ball and know how to seam and swing it,” he said.

“I’m sure Siraj will be the first choice. Siraj and Krishna will be the two options, so whether India goes with three seamers or not, I don’t know. I’m not sure what the conditions there will be like. We discussed that Sri Lanka might offer India turning tracks. So, if that happens, perhaps we will go with only two seamers,” Wasim Jaffer concluded.