CRICKET: Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar criticised Ajit Agarkar-led selectors after Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi was ignored for India’s Afghanistan Test squad despite taking 60 Ranji Trophy wickets.
By Sam Khan
Published: May 22, 2026
A fresh selection controversy has erupted in Indian cricket after former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar publicly slammed chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee for ignoring Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi despite his extraordinary domestic performances.
The controversy began after India announced its squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, with Nabi surprisingly left out despite finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season with 60 wickets.
Vengsarkar did not hold back, questioning the entire selection process and even suggesting that domestic cricket loses relevance if top performers continue getting ignored.
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Why Is Auqib Nabi’s Omission Creating So Much Debate?
Auqib Nabi has been one of India’s standout domestic performers over the last two seasons.
The Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler played a major role in his team’s historic domestic success and ended the recent Ranji Trophy campaign with 60 wickets, earning widespread praise for consistency, discipline, and match-winning spells. He also reportedly took 44 wickets in the previous Ranji season, showing sustained form rather than a one-season rise.
Given India’s squad selection for the Afghanistan Test, many believed Nabi had done enough to earn at least a maiden national call-up.
Instead, selectors opted for other bowling options, sparking criticism from former cricketers and fans.
What Did Dilip Vengsarkar Say?
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar reacted strongly to Nabi’s exclusion and openly questioned the logic of the selection process.
Speaking to media, Vengsarkar reportedly called the decision “absurd and baffling”, adding:
“What kind of selection is this?”
He further argued that if players dominating domestic cricket are not rewarded, then the entire purpose of tournaments like the Ranji Trophy comes into question.
Vengsarkar went even further by saying:
“If domestic cricket performances are not a criterion, then the BCCI should scrap domestic cricket.”
His comments quickly went viral on social media and reignited debate over how India selects players for the national team.
Why Did Selectors Ignore Auqib Nabi?
Officially, chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that Nabi’s name was discussed during squad discussions but said the panel ultimately preferred other bowling combinations.
Reports suggest selectors may have prioritised:
- Team balance
- Pace variation
- India A performances
- Long-term planning
- Tactical requirements for Afghanistan conditions.
Instead of Nabi, bowlers such as Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Harsh Dubey, and Manav Suthar were preferred for the squad.
However, critics argue that numbers should matter — especially in red-ball cricket.
Is Domestic Cricket Losing Importance?
This controversy has reopened a long-standing debate in Indian cricket:
Does domestic performance still guarantee national selection?
For years, the BCCI has insisted that the Ranji Trophy remains India’s most important pathway to Test cricket.
But cases like Nabi’s omission raise questions.
Supporters argue:
- Domestic consistency should be rewarded
- Ranji Trophy must remain meaningful
- Merit should outweigh reputation
Meanwhile, defenders of selectors argue:
- Selection is not purely statistical
- Team combinations matter
- International readiness is different from domestic success.
Irfan Pathan Also Weighed In
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also reportedly expressed disappointment, urging cricket authorities not to discourage strong Ranji Trophy performances.
His comments added to growing pressure on the Agarkar-led panel, which has already faced criticism over several recent squad decisions.
Who Is Auqib Nabi?
For many casual cricket fans, Nabi may still be an unfamiliar name.
The Jammu & Kashmir pacer has quietly built an impressive domestic record and is widely regarded as one of India’s most promising red-ball seamers.
His recent achievements include:
- 60 wickets in Ranji Trophy 2025–26
- Over 100 wickets across two Ranji seasons
- Strong performances in India A cricket
- A major role in Jammu & Kashmir’s success.
Many observers believe a relatively lower-pressure Afghanistan Test could have been the perfect opportunity to test him at international level.
Perspective
Selection debates are nothing new in Indian cricket.
But the Auqib Nabi case feels different because of the sheer weight of his domestic numbers.
When a player dominates India’s toughest red-ball competition and still misses out, questions naturally follow.
At the same time, selectors often see factors the public does not — fitness, pace, adaptability, team plans, and future combinations.
Still, Vengsarkar’s criticism highlights a growing concern:
If Ranji Trophy excellence does not open doors to Team India, young domestic cricketers may begin wondering what more they need to do.
FAQs
1. Why is Ajit Agarkar being criticised?
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar criticised Agarkar-led selectors for ignoring Auqib Nabi despite his strong Ranji Trophy performance.
2. How many wickets did Auqib Nabi take?
Nabi took 60 wickets in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season.
3. What did Dilip Vengsarkar say?
He questioned the selection process and suggested domestic cricket becomes meaningless if performers are ignored.
4. Did Ajit Agarkar explain the omission?
Agarkar said Nabi was discussed but selectors preferred other bowling options.
5. Is Auqib Nabi part of India’s Afghanistan Test squad?
No, he was not selected for the one-off Test.
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