GALLE, Aug 13: Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi said he always believed that his consistent performances would eventually earn him a call-up to the Indian Test squad, and that belief finally became a reality when he was named as a replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Nabi played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy title triumph last season. He said his focus had always remained on performing consistently and taking wickets rather than worrying about selection.
“Yes, I had expectations. But the mindset of a cricket player should be of performing and that the other people are watching,” Nabi said in a video shared by the BCCI.
“I knew that I would get the call-up today or tomorrow because when you are doing well for so many years, you are meant to get the returns from the hard work,” he added.
Nabi said he was delighted when he learned about his selection and added that his family was extremely happy.
“I felt great when my name came up. My family is very happy and I don’t think there can be anything greater than this,” he said.
Nabi recalled that he received the news while he was at the airport preparing to travel to Bengaluru for a camp at the Centre of Excellence.
“I got a call asking where I was. I told them that I was going to Bangalore and I was at the airport. They told me that I didn’t have to go there; I had to come to Sri Lanka and that I was selected,” he said.
The 25-year-old said he initially found the news difficult to believe as the squad had already been announced.
“At first, I couldn’t believe it. It was unexpected because the squad was already out. I was ready to work hard. I was going to the camp,” Nabi said.
Nabi was joined in the BCCI video by fellow uncapped player Saransh Jain, who also spoke about his long wait for an India opportunity.
Jain, a member of Madhya Pradesh’s 2021-22 Ranji Trophy-winning team, said patience and perseverance were essential for anyone aspiring to play Test cricket for India.
“I made my debut at Ranji Trophy in 2014-15. It’s been a long journey. There was a lot of hard work and sacrifices. But I had the belief that one day, I will definitely play for India,” he said.
Jain said his father, who was also a Ranji Trophy player, constantly encouraged him to remain patient and continue working hard.
Both players also recalled the moments when they received news of their India selections.
Jain said he learnt about his call-up while travelling to a temple and checking calls and messages, while Nabi received the news shortly before boarding his flight to Bengaluru.
Jain added that playing alongside several current Indian players in domestic cricket helped him settle quickly into the national setup.
“When I joined the team, I didn’t feel any big difference as 70-80 per cent of the players I have played cricket with, and I got mixed up quickly with them,” he said.
