“Tremendous injustice”: Sanjay Manjrekar fumes over Auqib Nabi’s snub despite st – Auqib Nabi’s Ranji Trophy Snub: Sanjay Manjrekar Fumes Over “Tremendous Injustice”

Former India international Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed profound disappointment and strong criticism regarding the omission of Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi from the Indian squad selected to face Afghanistan in the upcoming one-off Test match. Manjrekar, a respected voice in Indian cricket, labelled the decision “ridiculous” and a “tremendous injustice,” not only to Nabi personally but also to the fundamental principle of the Ranji Trophy as a pathway to national selection.

Auqib Nabi’s Unprecedented Ranji Trophy Dominance

The core of Manjrekar’s outrage stems from Auqib Nabi’s truly exceptional performance in the latest edition of the Ranji Trophy. Nabi finished the tournament as the undisputed highest wicket-taker, a monumental achievement that saw him spearhead Jammu & Kashmir to their maiden title. His statistics are nothing short of astounding:

• In the recent Ranji Trophy season, Nabi scalped an incredible 60 wickets in just 10 matches.
• His bowling average stood at an impressive 12.56.
• He recorded 7 five-wicket hauls during the tournament, consistently dismantling opposition batting line-ups.

The left-arm pacer’s dominance wasn’t a one-off spectacle. Over the last two editions of India’s premier first-class competition, Nabi has amassed over 100 wickets. Specifically, across 18 matches in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, Auqib Nabi Dar has taken a staggering 104 wickets at an astonishing bowling average of 13.14, complemented by 13 five-wicket hauls. He was also one of only two bowlers in the recent edition to claim multiple 10-wicket match hauls, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances. Despite these undeniable figures, Nabi has been conspicuously absent from even the India A squads, raising serious questions about the selection criteria.

The India Squad Announcement: A Conspicuous Absence Amidst Changes

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled 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 historical significance, being only the second-ever Men’s International match to be hosted there, following a T20I between India and South Africa in December 2025 and two Women’s ODIs earlier that year.

While Nabi’s shocking exclusion dominated headlines for many, the squad announcement also featured other notable developments. A significant leadership change saw wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant relieved of his vice-captaincy duties, with the role subsequently handed to KL Rahul. Furthermore, key players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami were rested from the Test squad, citing workload management and injury concerns. On a positive note, left-arm spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, alongside pacer Gurnoor Brar, earned their maiden call-ups to the national team, injecting fresh talent into the squad.

Manjrekar’s Vehement Criticism: “Tremendous Disrespect” to the Ranji Trophy

Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast, Sanjay Manjrekar did not mince words when discussing Auqib Nabi’s non-selection. He articulated his belief that the situation represented a “tremendous disrespect” not just to Nabi’s individual efforts and talent, but also to the very essence and purpose of the Ranji Trophy itself as the primary proving ground for Indian cricketers.

“I used to like the olden days when tremendous injustice was done. People would come out on the streets with placards and protests,” Manjrekar reflected, highlighting a perceived shift in how such injustices are acknowledged. “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 given the absence of frontline pacers like Mohammed Shami. “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.” His comments underscore a critical question about the value and recognition afforded to exceptional domestic performances when national team spots become available.

Addressing Potential Reasons: The IPL Factor

While Nabi’s Ranji Trophy record is undeniable, speculation has emerged that his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 might have played a role in his non-selection for the national Test squad. In the IPL season, Nabi reportedly went wicketless in five matches for the Delhi Capitals, conceding runs at an economy rate of over 11 runs per over. While T20 performance can influence selector’s perceptions, it raises a debate about whether a player’s form in the shortest format should overshadow sustained excellence in the longest and most traditional format of the game, especially when Test specialists are being sought. The disparity between his first-class and T20 statistics presents a conundrum for selectors and fans alike, fueling the discussion around the appropriate weight given to different formats of cricket.

The Broader Implications for Domestic Cricket

Auqib Nabi’s case serves as a poignant example that sparks a wider debate within Indian cricket circles. If a bowler who consistently tops the charts in the Ranji Trophy – the very foundation of Indian red-ball cricket – is overlooked despite vacancies in the national team, it sends a disheartening message to aspiring cricketers toiling in domestic leagues. Manjrekar’s passionate stance reflects a concern that such decisions could undermine the prestige and motivational value of performing exceptionally in first-class cricket. The incident forces a re-evaluation of how domestic form translates into international opportunities, especially for players who do not have the added visibility of the IPL. Ultimately, the question remains: what more must a domestic cricketer do to earn a national call-up if Auqib Nabi’s phenomenal record is deemed insufficient?