Irfan Pathan got angry on Aaqib Nabi’s neglect, what is the use of taking 60 wickets, ‘What signal are we giving to domestic cricketers?’

New Delhi. Whenever there is talk of the rise of any bowler in Jammu and Kashmir cricket, Aaqib Nabi’s name will be taken at the top. This fast bowler, who has wreaked havoc with the ball in the last few domestic seasons, left no stone unturned to attract the attention of the national selectors. However, despite his consistently brilliant performances and heaps of statistics, his exclusion from India’s Test team for the Sri Lanka tour has surprised not only his fans but also cricket experts. Irfan Pathan is angry at Aaqib’s repeated neglect.

Aqib Nabi’s last domestic season was no less than a dream. He took 60 wickets in Ranji Trophy and played the most important role in giving Jammu and Kashmir its first historic title. Not only with the ball, but his ability to bat usefully in the lower order also established him as a complete all-rounder. He got the reward for this record-breaking performance in Ranji in the form of an IPL contract with Delhi Capitals and selection in the ‘India A’ team. Nabi also left his mark on ‘India A’ tour against Sri Lanka and took 6 wickets in two four-day matches. Despite his consistent form and familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions, when it came to selecting the main Test team, the selectors turned their backs on him.

Irfan Pathan’s sharp reaction and questions on selection process
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has played a big role in improving Nabi’s career, is extremely disappointed and surprised by this decision of the selectors. While talking to Sportsstar, Pathan clearly said, ‘I have no logical answer for not selecting Aaqib Nabi. If domestic performance has any value, then why did Aaqib not get his reward? According to Pathan, the best opportunity for Nabi to debut for India was the one-off Test match against Afghanistan, where he was with the team as a net bowler. Questioning the selection strategy, Pathan said that when Jasprit Bumrah is not available, Mohammed Siraj becomes the main fast bowler of the team. In such a situation, there was no point in playing Siraj in that match against Afghanistan, which was not even a part of the World Test Championship (WTC). New players and in-form bowlers like Aaqib should have been tried in that match.

‘Not just speed, swing and timing matter’
Pathan gave a befitting reply to the questions raised regarding Aaqib’s bowling speed (133-135 km/hr). He said that indiscriminate speed alone is not the identity of a fast bowler. ‘During the IPL, he was swinging the ball late at a speed of 133-135 km/hr. If a bowler can swing late at this pace and beat the batsmen, why is that not enough?’ Referring to the Ranji Trophy final, Pathan said that Nabi had given K.L. International giants like Rahul were continuously harassed and beaten.

Age and peak time
Pathan reminded that the golden age of fast bowlers is between the age of 27 to 32 years. Aaqib will turn 30 in November this year. If he is not given a chance at this right time, Indian cricket will lose the best years of a great bowler.

What message are the domestic cricketers getting?
Pathan expressed concern over such lack of consistency in selection. Giving the example of the selection of Saransh Jain, he said that it is a great message for 33 year old Saransh to get the results of his continuous performance for 4-5 years. This gives confidence to the domestic players. But when players like Aaqib, who are performing consistently and the team also needs backup fast bowlers, are ignored, it has a negative impact on the morale of the young players.