Auqib Nabi Joins Indian Squad for Afghanistan Test Preparations

Auqib Nabi's Role in India's Test Preparations

Despite not being included in the main Test lineup, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar has been called up to assist in India's preparations for the upcoming match against Afghanistan. He is one of six net bowlers selected ahead of the one-off Test scheduled for June 6. Joining him is UP leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who is part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. The coaching staff recognizes that Afghanistan is likely to deploy several wrist spinners during the match.

Other bowlers joining the training camp include IPL newcomer Prince Yadav, left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh, left-arm wrist spinner Shivang Kumar, and off-spinner Saransh Jain. They will all participate in net sessions designed to simulate match conditions. A statement from the BCCI confirmed, "Gurjapneet Singh, Auqib Nabi, Prince Yadav, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar have joined the Indian squad as net bowlers to assist the team in the build-up to the Test."

BCCI's Strategy for Fast Bowlers

BCCI Aims to Manage Workload for Siraj and Prasidh

A BCCI source revealed, "Yes, Auqib Nabi has been asked to join the India nets. It is not just Auqib, but there are six others who have also been called to join the India nets. Due to extreme weather conditions, the two premier fast bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, can’t go flat out in the nets after a gruelling three games in seven days with travel. The batters would need adequate practice."

In a span of just five days, Siraj and Prasidh participated in Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2, and the final, which required them to travel to Dharamsala, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad. Before Auqib, Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar had the opportunity to join the squad. Auqib, who led Jammu and Kashmir to a Ranji Trophy victory with 60 wickets, is being considered as a backup option rather than a member of the main 15-player team. The primary fast bowlers listed are Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar, with Auqib stepping in only if one of them is unable to play.

While players who participated in the IPL final are expected to miss the initial training session, the Indian team is set to conduct its first practice on Tuesday afternoon.