Nabi, one of the standout performers of the Ranji Trophy season, where he led Jammu and Kashmir to victory by picking 60 scalps, was widely tipped to get a maiden Test call\u2011up. Despite his remarkable consistency, the selectors opted for lanky Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar as the back\u2011up fast bowling option to join Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in the squad. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
IANS has learnt that the right-arm pacer has been called up as net bowler to help India prepare for their one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While addressing Nabi's omission during the squad announcement, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said, \"There is always a chat around domestic performances. You do not necessarily pick a lot of seamers when you pick a Test team in India. And he was close. But at this point, we have gone with the three that we have picked.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Besides Brar, left\u2011arm spinner Manav Suthar, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey were also handed maiden call\u2011ups to India\u2019s squad for the one\u2011off Test. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Shubman Gill leading the side and KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant as the vice\u2011captain. Brar, Suthar, and Dubey have been India \u2018A\u2019 regulars after being standout performers in domestic cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Besides Brar, left\u2011arm spinner Manav Suthar, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey were also handed maiden call\u2011ups to India\u2019s squad for the one\u2011off Test. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
This will only be the second Test between the two sides, after India won the first one, played in 2018 by an innings and 262 runs. The Test will not be a part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. <\/p>\r\n\r\n