Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar has been given another chance to play in a three-test series against Afghanistan after being snubbed out of the squad for the first ODI. The talented pacer was called up to Mullanpur to participate in the national team’s training camp as one of several net bowlers just days after his omission was discussed among cricket fans and experts.
Auqib is a part of a seven-member bowling group, which has been placed to help India’s skilful batsmen prepare for the Test series. The move follows worries for workload management of frontline pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna who are unlikely to bowl at full pace on practice after a big IPL season and travelling extensively.
The call-up doesn’t necessarily mean Auqib will be in the official playing squad, but it is being seen as an accolade for his excellent domestic form. The right arm seamer had a phenomenal Ranji Trophy event as he picked up 60 wickets and played a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir winning their first ever Ranji Trophy title. He has taken an impressive 104 wickets from 18 first-class games in the last two seasons at an outstanding average of 13.14.
Many had been surprised to see him not in the national squad for the Tests as they thought the recent form was good enough for him to be chosen. His inclusion in the setup for training, however, indicates that the team management is keeping a close watch on his development and that he is a good bet for future development at the international level. It will also be a great advantage to train with India’s best players, as he continues to climb his way up the ranks.