Jammu Kashmir Main Strike bowler AQUIB and Yudhvir are one to watch out for.

[vvvslaxman]

34 minutes ago, Lone Wolf said:

Pathway is simple bro, from Ranji Trophy to India A... He can't jump ahead of the queue and bypass the system in place.  

He will be selected for India A side in Sri Lanka.  If he delivers he will get into the main side for all important NZ series.

I think people question how did Gurnoor jump ahead of Aquib nabi for India A selection.  Gurnoor has jumped ahead of someone all his career in various stages.  Hope Gurnoor justifies this faith. NObody wants anyone to fail. These questions must be asked. These are the questions i see floating around.  Why is GT not playing him in IPL?Any fear he might get thrashed and he won't be picked? Does Gill protect him?

 

Edited May 21 by vvvslaxman

[singhvivek141]

1 hour ago, tweaker said:

Auqib Nabi, who has more red-ball wickets last season than Gurnoor Brar has in his entire first-class career, has been sidelined. And decisions like these inevitably raise questions about the value attached to the Ranji Trophy.

 

This is not about pitting Nabi against Brar.The larger question is what message Indian cricket sends to its domestic red-ball specialists.

Bowl fast, don't trundle.
Atleast clock 135+ regularly. If you're shorter than 6ft then attempt 140s.
Aaqib seems to have lost the race vs Gurnoor coz the latter is physically gifted....another issue is both can bat. 

This is what Gemini has to say

 

The exclusion of Jammu & Kashmir’s domestic giant Auqib Nabi in favor of Punjab's Gurnoor Brar for India's upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan has sparked intense debate. On paper, Nabi's numbers are staggering: he dismantled domestic heavyweights, guided J&K to a historic Ranji Trophy campaign, and picked up over 100 wickets across the last two seasons at a ridiculous average of around 13.

However, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee prioritized physical attributes, raw pace, and recent "A" team performances over pure domestic volume stats.

1. Absolute Pace vs. Medium-Fast

The fundamental differentiator between the two bowlers is their operating speed:

• Gurnoor Brar: Consistently bowls in the 140–145 kmph bracket. His high velocity gives him an edge on flatter, unresponsive pitches where raw pace is required to rattle top-order batters.

• Auqib Nabi: A classical swing bowler who operates primarily in the 125–135 kmph range. While deadly on helpful domestic tracks, Indian selectors are notoriously hesitant to pick sub-135 kmph seamers for the Test arena, fearing they lack the ammunition to trouble international batters when the ball stops moving.

2. The "Hit-the-Deck" Height Advantage

The Indian team management has a clear, ongoing tactical preference for tall, broad-shouldered fast bowlers who can generate steep bounce from a length:

• Brar stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches. His high release point allows him to extract uncomfortable, unnatural bounce even on dry subcontinent wickets.

• Nabi relies far more on conventional aerial swing and seam movement rather than brute physical height to trick the batter.

3. Performance in the India "A" Pipeline

The selectors heavily weigh performances in the shadow India "A" tours, viewing them as a closer bridge to international quality than the Ranji Trophy:

• Brar was fast-tracked into the India A squad that toured Australia last year. He emerged as the standout quick in the unofficial 'Tests', picking up 8 wickets in 3 innings and proving he could bowl long, high-intensity spells (over 41 overs in the series) against quality opposition.

• Furthermore, Brar showcased an excellent command over reverse swing with the older ball—a vital asset for a fast bowler playing a Test match in India.

4. Age and Long-Term Investment

Age and physical projection played a massive role in the selection strategy:

• Gurnoor Brar (25) is viewed as a young, high-ceiling prospect whose physical peak is still ahead of him. The selectors see him as an asset they can mold for future transition phases.

• Auqib Nabi (turning 30 later this year) had a relatively late career bloom. While his consistency is undeniable, selectors often favor younger, quicker raw talent over late-career medium-pacers, questioning how much mileage and adaptability they have left for the rigorous international circuit.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar's Perspective:

While acknowledging Nabi's phenomenal domestic run, Agarkar pointed out that when playing Tests in India, team combinations rarely feature a large pack of traditional seamers. When they do pick a new quick, they prefer a specific x-factor—which, in Brar's case, is 145 kmph pace, 6'5" bounce, and reverse-swing capability.

[vvvslaxman]

21 minutes ago, singhvivek141 said:

Bowl fast, don't trundle.
Atleast clock 135+ regularly. If you're shorter than 6ft then attempt 140s.
Aaqib seems to have lost the race vs Gurnoor coz the latter is physically gifted....another issue is both can bat. 

This is what Gemini has to say

 

The exclusion of Jammu & Kashmir’s domestic giant Auqib Nabi in favor of Punjab's Gurnoor Brar for India's upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan has sparked intense debate. On paper, Nabi's numbers are staggering: he dismantled domestic heavyweights, guided J&K to a historic Ranji Trophy campaign, and picked up over 100 wickets across the last two seasons at a ridiculous average of around 13.

However, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee prioritized physical attributes, raw pace, and recent "A" team performances over pure domestic volume stats.

1. Absolute Pace vs. Medium-Fast

The fundamental differentiator between the two bowlers is their operating speed:

• Gurnoor Brar: Consistently bowls in the 140–145 kmph bracket. His high velocity gives him an edge on flatter, unresponsive pitches where raw pace is required to rattle top-order batters.

• Auqib Nabi: A classical swing bowler who operates primarily in the 125–135 kmph range. While deadly on helpful domestic tracks, Indian selectors are notoriously hesitant to pick sub-135 kmph seamers for the Test arena, fearing they lack the ammunition to trouble international batters when the ball stops moving.

2. The "Hit-the-Deck" Height Advantage

The Indian team management has a clear, ongoing tactical preference for tall, broad-shouldered fast bowlers who can generate steep bounce from a length:

• Brar stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches. His high release point allows him to extract uncomfortable, unnatural bounce even on dry subcontinent wickets.

• Nabi relies far more on conventional aerial swing and seam movement rather than brute physical height to trick the batter.

3. Performance in the India "A" Pipeline

The selectors heavily weigh performances in the shadow India "A" tours, viewing them as a closer bridge to international quality than the Ranji Trophy:

• Brar was fast-tracked into the India A squad that toured Australia last year. He emerged as the standout quick in the unofficial 'Tests', picking up 8 wickets in 3 innings and proving he could bowl long, high-intensity spells (over 41 overs in the series) against quality opposition.

• Furthermore, Brar showcased an excellent command over reverse swing with the older ball—a vital asset for a fast bowler playing a Test match in India.

4. Age and Long-Term Investment

Age and physical projection played a massive role in the selection strategy:

• Gurnoor Brar (25) is viewed as a young, high-ceiling prospect whose physical peak is still ahead of him. The selectors see him as an asset they can mold for future transition phases.

• Auqib Nabi (turning 30 later this year) had a relatively late career bloom. While his consistency is undeniable, selectors often favor younger, quicker raw talent over late-career medium-pacers, questioning how much mileage and adaptability they have left for the rigorous international circuit.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar's Perspective:

While acknowledging Nabi's phenomenal domestic run, Agarkar pointed out that when playing Tests in India, team combinations rarely feature a large pack of traditional seamers. When they do pick a new quick, they prefer a specific x-factor—which, in Brar's case, is 145 kmph pace, 6'5" bounce, and reverse-swing capability.

Shouldn't they play Kartik Tyagi who has much higher ceiling in ODI? 

[Lone Wolf]

1 hour ago, tweaker said:

Siraj played many series of A matches for almost 2 years.He was always among wickets.But he was not selected immediately.

And yes MSK, Shastri, Dravid era was Worst when it comes to preparing Backup Pacers.

That's why we are struggling now.

 

Agarkar is at least trying to undo the damage.  India needs a steady pool of 5-6 test class Pacers.

We barely have 2-3 now... With Bumrah and Siraj fast approaching mid 30's themselves.. and this cycle could be their final act of Peak performance.  Bumrah anyways won't play more than 2, tests in a 5 match big ticket series now.

[vvvslaxman]

It is funny Agarkar does this lol He would have never played for India had they applied this Height rule in 2000s. 

[Lone Wolf]

1 hour ago, vvvslaxman said:

I think people question how did Gurnoor jump ahead of Aquib nabi for India A selection.  Gurnoor has jumped ahead of someone all his career in various stages.  Hope Gurnoor justifies this faith. NObody wants anyone to fail. These questions must be asked. These are the questions i see floating around.  Why is GT not playing him in IPL?Any fear he might get thrashed and he won't be picked? Does Gill protect him?

 

What has IPL got to with someone playing long format cricket?  

Gurnoor was unfairly left out of Emerging Asia Cup and instead kept as a stand-by player and likes of Gurjapneet and hordes of other Trundlers were given chance over him and jumped the queue.

 

GT has plethora of pace bowling options anyways.  In T20s I reckon Ashok was also ahead of him in pecking order as he was himself part of India A squad for those T20 WC warmups.

 

So bro has legitimate claim to be there.

 

As long as one doesn't get selected for India A no matter how long it takes he shouldn't be part of national side..

NCA must monitor potential Pacers and spinner in their high performance centre or whatever and that's how we find a international standard player.

Edited May 21 by Lone Wolf

[vvvslaxman]

Just now, Lone Wolf said:

What has IPL got to with someone playing long format cricket?  

Gurnoor was unfairly left out of Emerging Asia Cup and instead kept as a stand-by player and likes of Gurjapneet and hordes of other Trundlers were given chance over him.

 

GT has plethora of pace bowling options anyways.  In T20s I reckon Ashok was also ahead of him in pecking order as he was himself part of India A squad for those T20 WC warmups.

 

So bro has legitimate claim to be there.

 

As long as one doesn't get selected for India A no matter how long it takes he shouldn't be part of national side..

NCA must monitor potential Pacers and spinner in their high performance centre or whatever and that's how we find a international standard player.

 

So Gill doesn't rate him above ARshad Khan? After all they play on green top with bounce and pace. WHy doesn't he play his buddy ahead of shorter Ashok sharma?

[Lone Wolf]

25 minutes ago, vvvslaxman said:

Shouldn't they play Kartik Tyagi who has much higher ceiling in ODI? 

Tyagi is unfairly left out of India A side that is touring SL.. and Yash Thakur or Yudhvir both shouldn't have been there over him or even Ashok.

Edited May 21 by Lone Wolf

[Lone Wolf]

1 minute ago, vvvslaxman said:

 

So Gill doesn't rate him above ARshad Khan? After all they play on green top with bounce and pace. WHy doesn't he play his buddy ahead of shorter Ashok sharma?

Arshad Khan is a bowling all rounder and GT is worried about its non existent weak lower middle order.

It's a combination dilemma 

 

And why are you calling him his buddy?? It's nothing personal bro, he is there because selectors and experts in NCA see the potential.

[vvvslaxman]

Just now, Lone Wolf said:

Tyagi is unfairly left out of India A side that is touring SL.. and Yash Thakur or Yudhvir both shouldn't have there over him or even Ashok.

 

Why did this selection correct that mistake by backing him in ODI set up over Gurnoor brar? Why do they think Brar is better than Tyagi?  He is also 25.  Let us not try to white wash the bias shown by GIll here. Hope it works out. If it doesnt he will be trolled forever .

 

 

[Lone Wolf]

2 minutes ago, vvvslaxman said:

 

Why did this selection correct that mistake by backing him in ODI set up over Gurnoor brar? Why do they think Brar is better than Tyagi?  He is also 25.  Let us not try to white wash the bias shown by GIll here. Hope it works out. If it doesnt he will be trolled forever .

 

 

Like I said Tyagi should play for India A first. There was no spot for him in the ODI side for a short 3 match series.  Even Siraj isn't there so I don't get the point.

 

In T20s you can give debuts to IPL performers as it is best local T20 tournament.  He should be part of that trip to UK on merit.

[vvvslaxman]

Just now, Lone Wolf said:

Like I said Tyagi should play for India A first. There was no spot for him in the ODI side for a short 3 match series.  Even Siraj isn't there so I don't get the point.

 

In T20s you can give debuts to IPL performers as it is best local T20 tournament.  He should be part of that trip to UK on merit.

What did GUrnoor brar do in LIst A to be directly selected there? This gives a Harshit Rana vibe all over. 

 

IN VH GUrnoor played 8 matches 11 wickets 36.90 average 6.51 ER.  Secondmost expensive bowler after Barpreet Brar. Arshdeep  took 7 wickets in 2 matches. Gurjpaneet on the other hand 7 matches 15 wickets 17.86 average 4.96 ER.  Prince yadav was selected on merit. But there were several players better than Brar . Even Hangarkekar did well 7 matches 13 wickets 24.84 ER 5.83 ER

[bsriharsha]

I see why Gurnoor has to be picked. But surely Aqib could be picked as well. It's Afghanistan and he could be a handful against England with his pace. 

[Lone Wolf]

3 minutes ago, vvvslaxman said:

What did GUrnoor brar do in LIst A to be directly selected there? This gives a Harshit Rana vibe all over. 

 

IN VH GUrnoor played 8 matches 11 wickets 36.90 average 6.51 ER.  Secondmost expensive bowler after Barpreet Brar. Arshdeep  took 7 wickets in 2 matches. Gurjpaneet on the other hand 7 matches 15 wickets 17.86 average 4.96 ER.  Prince yadav was selected on merit. But there were several players better than Brar . Even Hangarkekar did well 7 matches 13 wickets 24.84 ER 5.83 ER

That's why looking at stats is meaningless those who watched VHT actually know how well Brar bowled...and how many catches were dropped off his bowling.  His final game was poor as his lines were off badly.

Domestic Commentators themselves were raving at his accuracy and discomfort he had players with extra bounce.. which is a rarity for them.

Even in ICF fast bowling enthusiasts were talking about him during the tournament.

 

You can discredit as much as you want but for those which ultimately matter are impressed with his bowling and they know lot more about these guys and have all the data and fast bowling experts out there in NCA.

[Lone Wolf]

6 minutes ago, bsriharsha said:

with his pace. 

Aqib doesn't has pace that's the main issue.  Selectors don't want the Kamboj situation again and embarrass themselves.

[vvvslaxman]

1 minute ago, Lone Wolf said:

That's why looking at stats is meaningless those who watched VHT actually know how well Brar bowled...and how many catches were dropped off his bowling.  His final game was poor as his lines were off badly.

Domestic Commentators themselves were raving at his accuracy and discomfort he had players with extra bounce.. which is a rarity for them.

Even in ICF fast bowling enthusiasts were talking about him during the tournament.

 

You can discredit as much as you want but for those which ultimately matter are impressed with his bowling and they know lot more about these guys and have all the data and fast bowling experts out there in NCA.

 

Domestic commentators rave above everyone. Don't they rave about Nabi? Much more raving for him. Kartik Tyagi has gotten rave reviews from international fast bowlers as well. WHy was he not rewarded? If they are "fast bowling experts" why is he not there? Why is Moshin not there? Why is Maynk not there?  He is still clocking 150k.

[Lone Wolf]

Just now, vvvslaxman said:

 

Domestic commentators rave above everyone. Don't they rave about Nabi? Much more raving for him. Kartik Tyagi has gotten rave reviews from international fast bowlers as well. WHy was he not rewarded? If they are "fast bowling experts" why is he not there? Why is Moshin not there? Why is Maynk not there?  He is still clocking 150k.

Mayank is slowly building his workload.  For Those who noticed he was also playing those Warm up T20s just before T20 WC alongside Ashok.

Reckon they will ease him into T20 set up again.

His run up has improved in last game or so... Initially he was running gingerly.

NCA will take note of that guy. He mostly stays there anyway.  Tearaway quicks should be handled with utmost care... especially when they are as injury prone as Mayank.

 

Mohsin is Okay.. he ain't the same bowler he was before that near career ending injury.  Probably would be an India capped player already if not for that injury.  Pace has dropped to nearly 10ks already from his peak speeds.

 

Nabi falls in category of Kamboj .. I'll not overrate the guy unless he plays India A.

Easwaran is another example we have in front of us.

All those recent shadow tours of England Australia and Australia in India when he was next in line as third opener he failed when it mattered eventually.

 

[singhvivek141]

5 minutes ago, vvvslaxman said:

 

Domestic commentators rave above everyone. Don't they rave about Nabi? Much more raving for him. Kartik Tyagi has gotten rave reviews from international fast bowlers as well. WHy was he not rewarded? If they are "fast bowling experts" why is he not there? Why is Moshin not there? Why is Maynk not there?  He is still clocking 150k.

 

Mohsin, Mayank & Tyagi...all 3 have returned from injuries. Mohsin & Mayank havent played consistently so there is a question mark on their fitness. 

 

Tyagi has been fit and playing regularly, but him & Ashok are into their first season. 2026-27 season if the remain fit and perform will propel them ahead.

[Nikhil_cric]

9 minutes ago, Lone Wolf said:

Mayank is slowly building his workload.  For Those who noticed he was also playing those Warm up T20s just before T20 WC alongside Ashok.

Reckon they will ease him into T20 set up again.

His run up has improved in last game or so... Initially he was running gingerly.

NCA will take note of that guy. He mostly stays there anyway.  Tearaway quicks should be handled with utmost care... especially when they are as injury prone as Mayank.

 

Mohsin is Okay.. he ain't the same bowler he was before that near career ending injury.  Probably would be an India capped player already if not for that injury.  Pace has dropped to nearly 10ks already from his peak speeds.

 

Nabi falls in category of Kamboj .. I'll not overrate the guy unless he plays India A.

Easwaran is another example we have in front of us.

All those recent shadow tours of England Australia and Australia in India when he was next in line as third opener he failed when it mattered eventually.

 

This.  Some folks on social media were acting like his non selection was a big miss. 

 

Ranji stats literally mean nothing 

 

Should perform for the A side to justify his selection. 

 

Gurnoor has better attributes and even played for the A side. 

 

Ranji standards are way too low

[vvvslaxman]

Looking at the hype we have Curtly AMbrose + COurtney walsh rolled into one. Let us see how it pans out. Will watch for it