Emotions ran high at the residence of Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi after he was named in India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, with his father describing the selection as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream.
Calling it a moment beyond words, Auqib Nabi’s father while speaking to Greater Kashmir said the family’s years of hard work, patience and prayers had finally borne fruit with the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earning his maiden call-up to the Indian Test team.
“It is difficult to explain my feelings today. This was our dream, and it is fulfilled today,” he said shortly after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Nabi’s inclusion in the national squad.
Auqib, who replaces injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the Test series against Sri Lanka, had earlier broken into the IPL and India A setup. His father said seeing his son now reach the Indian Test team was a moment of immense pride for the entire family.
He said the family had always believed that Auqib would eventually earn his place in the national side despite facing disappointments when his name did not figure in earlier selections.
“We always had faith. We trusted the selection committee and believed that if he continued performing, his opportunity would come. Today, he has rewarded for that patience,” he said.
Auqib’s selection comes on the back of outstanding domestic performances, including a starring role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph last season.
