Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, who was earlier overlooked for selection in the Indian Test squad, has now been called up by team management as part of a group of net bowlers ahead of the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur.

The decision comes in the build-up to the India vs Afghanistan One-Off Test 2026 scheduled to begin on June 6 at the New Chandigarh venue. Alongside Auqib Nabi, several other domestic players, including Sunrisers Hyderabad leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, have also been invited to assist in practice sessions as net bowlers.

According to a BCCI source, the inclusion of additional net bowlers was necessitated by workload management concerns, with frontline pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna unlikely to bowl at full intensity after a demanding IPL schedule. The team management is reportedly seeking adequate batting and bowling practice support ahead of the Test.

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Auqib Nabi had earlier attracted attention after finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy, taking 60 wickets while playing a key role for Jammu and Kashmir. Despite his strong domestic performance, he was not included in the main squad, a decision that had drawn criticism from former cricketers and commentators questioning selection priorities.

Reports indicate that Auqib is currently part of a standby list rather than the official 15-member squad, which includes several players from the Gujarat Titans IPL franchise. His recent call-up as a net bowler is being seen as recognition of his domestic form, even though it does not yet translate into a formal Test debut opportunity. The Indian team is expected to begin its training sessions ahead of the Test, although players involved in the IPL final are likely to be rested from early practice due to fatigue and recovery requirements.

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