- By Sunny Daud
- Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been asked to join the Indian team as a net bowler for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, which will be played in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10.
Nabi was one of the top performers in the last Ranji Trophy season. He played a key role in Jammu & Kashmir’s historic title-winning campaign, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 60 wickets. His consistent performances had led many to believe that he was in line for a maiden Test call-up.
However, the selectors chose Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar as the additional fast-bowling option in the squad alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Jagran New Media has learned that Nabi will now work with the Indian team as a net bowler during their preparations for the Afghanistan Test.
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Speaking about Nabi’s exclusion when the squad was announced, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the pacer was very much in contention. He explained that India usually do not pick a large number of fast bowlers for home Tests and added that Nabi was close to making the squad.
Along with Brar, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey have also earned their first call-ups to the Indian Test squad. All three players have impressed in domestic cricket and have been regular members of India A teams in recent seasons.
The Indian side will be led by Shubman Gill, while KL Rahul has been named vice-captain in place of Rishabh Pant. The batting unit also includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel.
With Ravindra Jadeja being rested for the match, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar are expected to take charge of the spin department.
India vs Afghanistan Test not be part of the WTC Cycle
This will be only the second Test match between India and Afghanistan. The first meeting came in 2018, when India secured a dominant victory by an innings and 262 runs. The upcoming Test will not be part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Why will the India vs Afghanistan Test not be part of the WTC Cycle?
The upcoming one-off Test match between India and Afghanistan will not be part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle because the cricketing governing body limits WTC participation to the top nine Full Member nations, which currently excludes Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
India’s Test Squad
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)