Ranji Stars Snubbed for SL Tests

Top Ranji Trophy performers like Auqib Nabi, Smaran Ravichandran, and Mohammed Shami were surprisingly excluded from India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. Explore the selections.

India's recent Test squad announcement for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka has raised eyebrows, with several top performers from the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season being left out. This development highlights a perceived disconnect between domestic circuit success and opportunities with the Men in Blue.

Auqib Nabi, instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy victory, has been overlooked. He impressed with 9 wickets and crucial runs in the semi-final against Bengal, finishing the season with 60 wickets and as the tournament's leading wicket-taker. His consistent swing bowling also earned him an IPL contract with Delhi Capitals.

Smaran Ravichandran, representing Karnataka, emerged as the Ranji Trophy's highest run-scorer with 950 runs. He averaged 86.36, hitting four centuries and three half-centuries. Despite his consistent form, he too missed out on selection for the Sri Lanka Test series, although he was part of the IPL 2026 season.

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, whose last appearance was the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, has also been excluded from all formats, including the Test squad. Shami had a commendable Ranji Trophy season with Bengal, taking 8 wickets in a semi-final match and concluding with 37 wickets, alongside notable IPL performances. His absence continues due to injury concerns and other unspecified reasons.

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