Drama continues surrounding the selection of the Indian cricket team. Team India will face Afghanistan in a lone Test match starting from June 6th. Nabi was not included in the previously announced squad, which triggered a controversy. The pace bowler from Jammu & Kashmir has now been included in the Test squad. However, he will not get a direct opportunity to play, as the selectors have included Nabi only as a reserve player. He will get a chance to play only if any pace bowler gets injured and is ruled out. Since it is a single Test match, the chances of any player getting injured are slim. As a result, Nabi is unlikely to get an opportunity in the main playing XI.
Nabi had put up an outstanding performance in BCCI’s last two domestic seasons. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar had revealed that the bowler’s name was discussed when the Test team was being announced. The 24-year-old bowler had scalped a total of 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy last season. Nabi’s brilliant performance was instrumental in Jammu & Kashmir winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time. Yet, Gurnoor Brar of Punjab, who took 23 wickets, was given an opportunity in the Test squad over him. This subsequently sparked a controversy and raised questions regarding the role of the selectors.
Nabi as a Reserve Player in the Test Team
