Harsha Bhogle Critiques Selection Committee for Excluding Auqib Nabi from Test Squad
Bhogle Questions Selection Decisions
Harsha Bhogle has expressed his concerns regarding the decision made by the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, to omit Auqib Nabi from the Indian Test team for the upcoming one-off match against Afghanistan scheduled for June 6. This match will be significant as it marks the first red-ball international for the Shubman Gill-led team following their disappointing 2-0 series loss at home to South Africa last November. Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep due to injury, Nabi was not selected, while Gurnoor Brar received his first call-up to the national squad. He joins Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna as the three pace bowlers in the 15-man roster.
Bhogle criticized this decision, suggesting it sends a negative message to domestic players. He emphasized that even if Nabi did not make it to the playing XI, he should have been included in the squad. Bhogle downplayed concerns regarding Nabi's pace, stating, "I must admit, I thought Auqib Nabi would be there. There's some talk about whether he's quick enough or not. It doesn't matter to me at all. It doesn't matter what pace he's bowling. It doesn't matter if he's bowling donkey drops. If he's given you a hundred-plus wickets in two years at about 14, he needs to be encouraged. Just to remind other people playing first-class cricket that, look, you deliver performances like that."
He further added, "You make the test score. I don't mind if Auqib Nabi is not playing in the test match, in the actual 11, but I think the message that has to go out is that he's playing. Look, I don't think fitness is an issue. Auqib Nabi Dar has done everything that a bowler could do in India. I mean, remember, he also gives you a little batting option down at number nine, maybe, but that is irrelevant. So disappointed, I'm sure. Look, I rate this selection committee, let's be honest, and they must have had their thoughts behind not picking Auqib Nabi Dar, but I just worry about the message going out," Bhogle concluded.
Nabi has been a standout performer for Jammu & Kashmir, leading them to a historic Ranji Trophy victory this season. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2025-26 season, claiming 60 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive average of 12.56. In the previous season, he also excelled with 44 wickets in eight matches at an average of 13.93, securing the second-highest wicket-taker position. While Bhogle acknowledged Brar's selection, noting his potential and impressive performances for India A, he remarked, "The interesting addition in Gurnoor Brar, we've not seen a lot of him though. He's turned in some really impressive performances for India A. I remember I talked to a couple of fast bowlers and said, who's the next cab of the rank? And they said, watch out for Gurnoor Brar. Six-foot-five-inch, gets a bit of bounce, and he's done all right for India A."