Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra questioned the selectors for Auqib Nabi’s absence for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan. The fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir had a dream run in the previous season of the Ranji Trophy, leading his team to glory for the first time in the domestic tournament’s history.
Nabi scalped 60 wickets in 10 matches of the 2025-26 season at a stunning average of 12.57, including seven five-wicket hauls. However, there was no place for him in the Test squad for the solitary game against Afghanistan.
Chopra wondered if Nabi would straight away take the field in an away series against New Zealand. The renowned commentator however praised the selectors for rewarding Gurnoor Brar for his domestic performances.
“Gurnoor Brar’s name is there. Gurnoor Brar is a fast bowler, and he also bats a little. He plays for Punjab. He has taken 52 wickets and has bowled close to 400 overs in First-class cricket. So, performance in First-class cricket has been rewarded there, and he has been kept in the team,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“However, one thing is that Auqib Nabi isn’t there. No one has taken more wickets than Auqib Nabi in the last little while. So what is the selection committee thinking? Will they play him straightaway against New Zealand? That’s a possibility, or else, are they thinking they need extra pace and bounce, as Auqib probably does not have as much pace and bounce as Gurnoor Brar?” he added.
The renowned commentator said Prince Yadav has got a great opportunity to prove his mettle after his ODI selection.
“Prince Yadav, he is there in the ODI setup. So, it’s a massive opportunity for Prince Yadav, although the previous two or three IPL matches have been absolutely cold. However, IPL performances cannot be given that much importance that you drop someone if he has a bad game. He has been bowling very, very well,” he said.
The former Delhi cricketer noted that Mohammed Siraj hasn’t been getting consistent chances in the ODI team.
“So his name is there in the ODI team, but Mohammed Siraj’s name isn’t there. It’s going slightly up and down for Mohammed Siraj. They keep him in ODIs at times, and don’t keep him on other occasions. They haven’t kept him this time. Both he and Yashasvi Jaiswal aren’t there,” Chopra observed.
India will play one Test and three ODIs against Afghanistan.
