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The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee was divided over whether Auqib Nabi deserves a maiden Test call-up or Gurnoor Brar gets the nod. One was the leading wicket-taker in 2025-26 red-ball season, leading Jammu & Kashmir to their maiden Ranji Trophy title. The other is a tall pacer with potential which may lead to early breakthrough if nurtured properly. In the end, the 6’5’’ tall Brar’s pace turned out to be the deciding factor as the J&K red-ball magician’s wait for a Test cap continued.
“Reason behind giving opportunity to Brar was his pace and fast bowling temperament. There as discussion between Nabi and Brar (for one-off Test against Afghanistan). Few wanted Nabi backing their reasoning with his numbers which are better. But, Brar got the edge due to his pace. Now it is up to the team management to check him early,” a source close to the developments told Sports Tak.
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, it is yet to be seen whether Brar gets the nod ahead of Prasidh Krishna or the pace trio plays against Afghanistan in one-off Test in Mullanpur on June 4.
Brar’s red-ball numbers
Brar has played 18 first-class games having made his red-ball debut in 2022. The Punjab pacer has 52 wickets at an average of 27.30, featuring a fifer.
Nabi’s outstanding Ranji record
In the previous Ranji season, Nabi was the top wicket-taker. From 10 games, he bagged 60 wickets at an average of 12.56, including seven fifers. He was named ‘Player of the tournament’ for his stellar season. The 29-year-old has 156 wickets from 41 games at an average of 18.37. He has taken 16 fifers in his red-ball career so far.
Brar waits for turn, Nabi remains wicketless and expensive
Brar is currently a part of Gujarat Titans (GT) squad. He is yet to make his debut for Shubman Gill-led GT side. In his debut IPL season for Delhi Capitals (DC), Nabi is yet to take a wicket from four appearances. He has leaked runs at 11.45 runs per over. The J&K pacer was roped in for a whopping Rs 8.40 in the mini-auction. He was DC's most expensive buy at the IPL 2026 auction as well.
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