Auqib Nabi, a promising young fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, has been included among seven net bowlers for the Indian cricket team ahead of their one-off Test against Afghanistan. The match is scheduled to begin on June 14, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Selection Details
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the list of net bowlers on Tuesday. Besides Auqib Nabi, the other six bowlers are: Siddharth Desai, Yash Dayal, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Shashwat Singh, Ravi Teja, and Harshit Rana. These bowlers will assist the Indian team in their preparations by bowling in the nets during the practice sessions.
Auqib Nabi's Journey
Auqib Nabi, who hails from the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, has been making waves in domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut for Jammu and Kashmir in the 2024-25 season and has since impressed with his pace and ability to swing the ball. His selection as a net bowler for the Indian team is seen as a significant opportunity for him to gain experience and learn from the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
India's Preparations
The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, will begin their training camp from June 8. The one-off Test is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, and India will aim to continue their dominant run at home. The inclusion of seven net bowlers ensures that the batsmen get quality practice against different bowling styles.
Afghanistan's Challenge
Afghanistan, under the captaincy of Hashmatullah Shahidi, will be playing their first Test against India on Indian soil. They have a formidable spin attack led by Rashid Khan, but their batting will be tested against India's pace battery. The match promises to be an exciting contest.
The BCCI has also confirmed that the match will be played with the new Dukes ball, which is expected to assist the pacers. Both teams are eager to start the series on a positive note.
