Mumbai: Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar has criticized the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for ignoring Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Aqib Nabi despite the extraordinary 2025-26. Ranji Trophy campaign by selecting the Indian team for the one-off Test against Afghanistan next month.Nabi finished as the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy with 60 wickets from 10 matches at an impressive average of 12.56 and was adjudged Man of the Tournament after guiding Jammu and Kashmir to their first Ranji Trophy title.The 29-year-old swing bowler produced match-winning performances throughout the season, including 5-54 in the first innings of the final against Karnataka in Hubli, 9-123 in the semi-final against Bengal in Kalyani, and 12-110 in the quarter-final against Madhya Pradesh in Indore. His tally includes seven five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls.“The selectors’ decision to ignore him is absolutely ridiculous and shocking. What kind of selection is this? It is just not acceptable. It is unfair,” an angry Vengsarkar told TOI on Thursday.“Can you imagine Nabi’s plight now? He took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. He has worked hard for it and deserves a place ahead of everyone else.”The former chief selector went a step further and questioned the value attached to domestic cricket, saying that if performances of this magnitude continue to be ignored.“If domestic cricket performance is not a criterion, then BCCI “Domestic cricket should be abolished,” thundered Vengsarkar. Nabi took 44 wickets at 13.27 last Ranji season as well, but was consistently overlooked, reportedly due to concerns over his pace. However, this argument does not convince Vengsarkar.“You pick a bowler for his wicket-taking ability. He can bowl at 130 kmph, but what matters is his wicket-taking ability. The kid has shown great consistency in getting wickets,” he asserted.With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the Afghanistan Test, Vengsarkar felt it was the perfect opportunity to blood Nabi at the international level.“It was the perfect time to prepare,” he said. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also criticized the blunder earlier this week, posting on X: “Don’t discourage Ranji Trophy performance!”Former Mumbai captain Shashir Hatningadi also echoed this sentiment. The output is astounding. If the Ranji Trophy is the measure, then honor it by recognizing the performance. You can’t ignore someone who has been so consistent in Red Ball cricket,” Hittingadi said.Chief selector at Tuesday’s press conference Ajit Agarkar Admittedly, Nabi’s performance was discussed.Instead, the selectors opted for Punjab and Gujarat Titans fast bowler Gurnor Brar, who made his debut in both the Test and ODI squads.However, a source close to the development defended the selectors’ call. “In every Ranji season there is a top run-scorer and wicket-taker. Should selectors then be replaced by statistical analysts?” said the source.“Granur performed well for India A and also took 11 wickets in eight Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Punjab. Vs Mumbai.”
