Auqib Nabi Snub Sparks Outrage: Vengsarkar Calls for Ranji Trophy Reform
Auqib Nabi’s 60-Wicket Season Ignored as Selection Controversy Erupts
In one of the most dominant individual performances in recent Ranji Trophy history, Auqib Nabi scalped 60 wickets, led Jammu & Kashmir to their maiden title, and earned Player of the Tournament honors. Yet, when India announced its squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, his name was nowhere to be found.
Instead, the national selectors handed a maiden call-up to Punjab’s Gurnoor Brar, sparking a wave of criticism from former stars and reigniting a long-standing debate about the relevance of domestic cricket in India’s selection process.
Auqib Nabi’s Record-Breaking Ranji Campaign
The 29-year-old swing bowler put together a season that will be studied for years. Across 10 matches, Nabi averaged just 12.56 with the ball — an extraordinary figure by any standard.
His resume includes:
- 12 for 110 in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh
- 9 for 123 in the semifinal versus Bengal
- 5 for 54 in the final innings that sealed the trophy against Karnataka
With seven five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket performances, Nabi wasn’t just taking wickets — he was dismantling oppositions in high-pressure games. His impact was both consistent and decisive.
Vengsarkar’s Scathing Response
Former India captain and ex-chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar did not mince words. Speaking to the Times of India, he called the omission “absurd and baffling.”
“What kind of selection is this? It is just not acceptable. It is injustice,” Vengsarkar said. “Can you imagine Auqib Nabi’s plight right now? He took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. He has worked hard for it and deserves a place ahead of everybody else.”
He dismissed concerns about Nabi’s pace, which reportedly hovered around 130 kmph, insisting that wicket-taking ability should be the primary metric for selection.
“You pick a bowler for his ability to get wickets. This kid has shown tremendous consistency in getting wickets.”
Voices Across the Cricket Community
Vengsarkar wasn’t alone. Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan took to X (formerly Twitter), posting: “Do not discourage Ranji Trophy performances!”
Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi echoed the concern: “Auqib Nabi’s exclusion is baffling. If Ranji Trophy is the yardstick, then honour it by recognising performances. You cannot ignore someone who has been so consistent in red-ball cricket.”
Why Did the Selectors Choose Gurnoor Brar?
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Nabi’s statistics were discussed. However, the panel ultimately backed Gurnoor Brar, who recently represented India A and picked up 11 wickets across eight Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
A source close to the selection process defended the decision, questioning whether raw domestic stats alone should dictate national selection.
“There is a highest run-getter and wicket-taker every Ranji season. Should selectors simply be replaced by stats analysts then?” the source asked.
Bumrah’s Absence: A Missed Opportunity?
With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the Afghanistan Test, many — including Vengsarkar — saw a clear opening to test new talent.
“This was the ideal time to groom him. When a player is in form, you give him the opportunity then and there. You don’t wait until he loses confidence, fitness or hunger,” Vengsarkar argued.
Most strikingly, he challenged the BCCI’s entire domestic structure: “If domestic cricket performances are not a criterion, then the BCCI should scrap domestic cricket.”
What Does This Mean for Domestic Cricket?
Nabi’s snub has reopened a fundamental conversation: Should extraordinary domestic achievements automatically translate into national opportunities?
Or does the national panel require additional evaluation — such as India A exposure, perceived ceiling, or tactical fit — before rewarding consistent performers?
One thing is clear: if 60 wickets at an average of 12.56 aren’t enough, then the message to domestic cricketers is louder and harsher than ever.