“Tremendous injustice”: Sanjay Manjrekar fumes over Auqib Nabi’s snub despite st – Sanjay Manjrekar Fumes Over Auqib Nabi’s Ranji Snub for India Test Squad
Sanjay Manjrekar Slams ‘Tremendous Injustice’ in Auqib Nabi’s India Snub
The cricketing world is abuzz with discussion following former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar’s scathing critique of the national selectors. Manjrekar has openly voiced his disbelief and strong disapproval regarding the omission of Jammu & Kashmir’s sensational pacer, Auqib Nabi, from the Indian squad slated to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test next month. Terming the decision ‘ridiculous’ and a ‘tremendous injustice,’ Manjrekar’s comments highlight a growing concern about the recognition of domestic excellence in Indian cricket.
Auqib Nabi’s Unprecedented Ranji Trophy Dominance
Auqib Nabi’s credentials for national consideration are undeniably strong. The fast bowler concluded the most recent edition of the Ranji Trophy as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, a monumental achievement that underpinned Jammu & Kashmir’s historic maiden title victory. His performance wasn’t a one-off surge either; over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, Nabi has consistently demonstrated his prowess, accumulating over 100 wickets. Despite this stellar red-ball form, he has conspicuously failed to secure a spot even in the India A squads, let alone the senior national team.
In the Ranji Trophy season that saw J&K lift the coveted trophy, Nabi was nothing short of phenomenal. He scalped an astonishing 60 wickets in just 10 matches, maintaining an exceptional bowling average of 12.56. This incredible run included an impressive tally of 7 five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to consistently dismantle opposition batting line-ups. Furthermore, Nabi was one of only two bowlers in the entire tournament to register multiple 10-wicket match hauls, underscoring his match-winning capabilities.
His exploits weren’t limited to just one season. In the preceding edition, where J&K reached the quarterfinals, Nabi was the second-highest wicket-taker across the entire tournament. He claimed 44 wickets from 8 matches at an outstanding average of 13.93. When aggregated, Auqib Nabi Dar’s statistics over the last two Ranji Trophy editions paint a picture of sustained dominance: a staggering 104 wickets in 18 matches at a remarkable bowling average of 13.14, complemented by 13 five-wicket hauls.
The Afghanistan Test Squad and Notable Absences
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced India’s squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to commence on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. This ground holds significance as it will host only its second-ever Men’s International match, having previously seen a T20I between India and South Africa in December 2025 and two Women’s ODIs earlier that year.
While Nabi’s exclusion garnered significant attention, it wasn’t the sole talking point from the squad announcement. Rishabh Pant was relieved of his vice-captaincy duties, which were subsequently handed to KL Rahul. Furthermore, key players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami were rested, citing workload management and injury concerns, respectively. The squad also saw the maiden call-ups for left-arm spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, alongside pacer Gurnoor Brar, indicating a blend of experience and new talent.
Manjrekar’s Vehement Criticism: Disrespect to Domestic Cricket
Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast, Sanjay Manjrekar did not mince words when discussing Auqib Nabi’s non-selection. He unequivocally labeled it a ‘tremendous disrespect,’ not only to Nabi personally but, more broadly, to the very essence and concept of the Ranji Trophy. Manjrekar lamented the perceived apathy towards domestic cricket performances, contrasting it with a bygone era where such injustices might have sparked public protests.
“I used to like the olden days when tremendous injustice was done. People would come out on the streets with placards and protests,” Manjrekar stated. “Now the outcry is mostly on social media, but this is one non-selection that I just can’t understand.”
Manjrekar further emphasized the baffling nature of Nabi’s exclusion, particularly in light of Mohammed Shami’s absence from the squad. The veteran commentator questioned the very purpose of the Ranji Trophy if such outstanding performances are to be overlooked for national selection, especially when established pacers are being rested.
“It’s actually ridiculous,” Manjrekar asserted. “When Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are not playing, whether because they are being rested or for long-term planning, then you might as well not have the Ranji Trophy if performances like these are going to be ignored.”
The IPL Speculation
While Nabi’s red-ball record is impeccable, there has been speculation that his comparatively poor showing in the IPL 2026 might have influenced the selectors’ decision. In the recent IPL season, Nabi, playing for the Delhi Capitals, failed to pick up a single wicket in five matches and conceded runs at an economy rate exceeding 11 runs per over. However, this white-ball performance stands in stark contrast to his overwhelming dominance in the longer format, raising questions about whether T20 form is being disproportionately weighed against traditional Test credentials.
Manjrekar’s strong sentiments resonate with many who believe that domestic first-class cricket, epitomized by the Ranji Trophy, should remain the primary pathway for Test selection. The debate surrounding Auqib Nabi’s snub underscores a critical juncture for Indian cricket, prompting reflection on selection philosophies and the recognition of consistent excellence in the sport’s longest format.
