The debate surrounding India’s selection process has once again intensified after Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi was overlooked despite finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. The decision has sparked criticism from several former and current domestic cricketers, with many questioning whether the Indian Premier League has now overtaken the Ranji Trophy as the primary pathway into the Indian team.

Mumbai batter Siddhesh Lad openly criticised the selectors, claiming that red-ball cricket performances are steadily losing value in Indian cricket. Speaking to the Times of India, Lad said the current selection pattern sends a dangerous message to domestic cricketers who continue to prioritise first-class cricket.

“I think you are 100 percent right when you say that performing well in the IPL is the benchmark for breaking into the Indian team,” Siddhesh Lad said. “The harsh reality is that domestic cricket performances are ignored by the national selectors. The Ranji Trophy has been devalued,” he added.

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Lad specifically pointed to Auqib Nabi’s performances over the last two seasons as proof that outstanding red-ball performances are no longer guaranteeing recognition at the highest level. The right-arm pacer enjoyed a sensational Ranji Trophy campaign, taking 60 wickets and playing a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic title-winning season. In the previous campaign as well, Nabi had picked up 44 wickets at an exceptional average of just above 13.

According to Siddhesh Lad, performances across a full Ranji Trophy season demand far greater consistency, fitness and mental strength than short T20 tournaments. “Even IPL players know how difficult it is to play an entire Ranji Trophy season and maintain fitness,” he explained.

Siddhesh Lad has said it aloud. Do you agree with him? pic.twitter.com/Gjbc8nT5l6

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) May 29, 2026

However, Lad believes that strong IPL performances now carry significantly more weight in national selection discussions, even for Test cricket. “If you don’t do well in the IPL, your chances of entering the Indian Test team become slim,” he said.

The Mumbai veteran also warned that this trend could discourage young cricketers from focusing on red-ball cricket altogether. Siddhesh Lad admitted that he would now advise upcoming players to prioritise T20 leagues because they provide faster visibility and greater opportunities.

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“You are sending the wrong message to domestic cricketers — that even if you perform in the Ranji Trophy, it may not change your career, but a few good IPL games can take you to Team India,” Siddhesh Lad stated.

Former India captain and ex-chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar had earlier echoed similar concerns after Nabi’s omission, even suggesting that the Ranji Trophy risks losing its significance if performances continue to be overlooked. The growing debate has once again raised an important question for Indian cricket — has the IPL now become the ultimate benchmark for national selection, even in the longest format of the game?