Jammu & Kashmir’s fast-bowler Auqib Nabi has been selected as a net bowler for India’s upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh from June 6-10. Nabi, who excelled in the Ranji Trophy with 60 wickets, was expected to earn his first Test call-up but was edged out by Punjab’s Gurnoor Brar in the final squad selection. The selectors opted for Brar to support Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in the pace department.
Nabi will join the Indian squad to assist in their preparations for the Test match against Afghanistan. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that while Nabi was a strong contender, the team decided to go with the current three pacers. Alongside Brar, Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey have also received their maiden call-ups for the one-off Test.
Shubman Gill will lead the team with KL Rahul as the vice-captain, and the squad includes promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel. In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar will handle the spin bowling duties. The upcoming Test will mark only the second encounter between India and Afghanistan, with the first Test held in 2018 resulting in a comprehensive victory for India.
