Vengsarkar Questions Agarkar’s Decision On Auqib Nabi’s India Test Omission

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has strongly criticised the national selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar after Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi was left out of India’s squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, triggering renewed debate over the weight given to domestic performances in national selection.

The controversy stems from Nabi’s exceptional Ranji Trophy season, in which he reportedly claimed 60 wickets and played a crucial role for Jammu and Kashmir. Despite this form, the selection committee opted for other pace and spin options including Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey, leaving the in-form bowler out of contention.

Vengsarkar, a former chief selector himself, called the decision “absurd” and questioned the consistency of selection standards. He argued that ignoring a player with such strong domestic returns undermines the credibility of the domestic cricket structure. According to him, repeated performances like Nabi’s should have translated into an immediate national opportunity rather than continued exclusion.

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He further warned that if domestic performances are not rewarded, it would erode the purpose of tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. Vengsarkar also suggested that Nabi’s current form made the Afghanistan Test an ideal opportunity for exposure at the international level, rather than delaying selection until the player’s form declines.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also weighed in on the debate, stressing on social media that Ranji Trophy performances should not be overlooked. Meanwhile, chief selector Agarkar acknowledged that Nabi’s case was discussed during selection meetings but said the panel ultimately backed other options for the squad.

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