“Tremendous injustice”: Sanjay Manjrekar fumes over Auqib Nabi’s snub despite st – Sanjay Manjrekar Fumes Over Auqib Nabi’s Ranji Trophy Snub for India vs Afghanistan Test
Tremendous Injustice: Sanjay Manjrekar Fumes Over Auqib Nabi’s Ranji Trophy Snub
The announcement of India’s squad to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test match has ignited a fierce debate within cricketing circles, primarily fueled by former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar’s strong condemnation of Auqib Nabi’s exclusion. Manjrekar has labeled the Jammu & Kashmir pacer’s omission as ‘ridiculous’ and a ‘tremendous injustice,’ questioning the very essence and value placed on performances in India’s premier domestic red-ball competition, the Ranji Trophy.
The one-off Test, scheduled to commence on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, marks only the second-ever Men’s International match at the venue. While the fixture itself is significant, it is the squad selection that has become the focal point of discussion, particularly concerning a player whose recent domestic record speaks volumes.
Auqib Nabi’s Unprecedented Ranji Trophy Dominance
Auqib Nabi’s credentials for a national call-up appear impeccable on paper. He concluded the latest edition of the Ranji Trophy as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, a feat that played a crucial role in Jammu & Kashmir securing their maiden title. His statistics are nothing short of remarkable: 60 wickets in just 10 matches at an astounding bowling average of 12.56, including seven coveted five-wicket hauls. This performance alone would typically place a bowler squarely in contention for higher honors.
However, Nabi’s dominance extends beyond a single season. Across the last two editions of the Ranji Trophy, he has amassed a staggering 104 wickets in 18 matches, maintaining an exceptional bowling average of 13.14. This consistent wicket-taking ability is further highlighted by his 13 five-wicket hauls and the fact that he was one of only two bowlers in the recent tournament to achieve multiple 10-wicket match hauls. Despite these consistent, match-winning performances, Nabi has reportedly not even found a place in India A squads, let alone the senior national team, prompting serious questions about the selection process.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s Scathing Critique
Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast, Sanjay Manjrekar did not mince words when expressing his dismay over Nabi’s non-selection. He termed the situation a ‘tremendous disrespect,’ not just to Auqib Nabi personally, but to the Ranji Trophy as an institution. Manjrekar lamented the shift from vocal street protests of yesteryears to modern social media outcry, yet underscored the depth of his confusion, stating,
