Cricket fans are proper fuming right now. Honestly, you can’t really blame them. When Shubman Gill called the toss right and announced the playing XI, Sarfaraz Khan and Auqib Nabi found no place in it. Social media instantly went into meltdown.
What Did the Fans Say About Sarfaraz Khan, Auqib Nabi Snub for First SL vs Ind Test?
Gill and Gautam Gambhir’s management decided to go with 3 wicketkeepers in KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel. Three is overkill. Two still makes sense.
Nabi could have also been brought in for Prasidh Krishna. A swap of a hit-the-deck hard bowler for a medium-pacer who extracted benefit on dead Ranji soils.
A fan said, “When u have pure batsman Sarfaraz Khan then y playing another wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.”
When u have pure batsman Sarfaraz Khan then y playing another wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel #bcci #gill #gambhir— RahullSinha (@RahullSinha) August 15, 2026
“Why weren’t Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan given a chance? 🤔🇮🇳,” a content creator noted. “If not now, then when?”
Why weren’t Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan given a chance? 🤔🇮🇳
If not now, then when?— Mufaddal Atif (@MufaddalAtif) August 15, 2026
In a separate comment, the same content creator added, “Three wicketkeepers in the playing XI, but Sarfaraz Khan still doesn’t get a chance? 🤔”
“this indian team selection is frustrating i mean his mate prasidh is playing ahead of Aqaib Nabi why they are having a tournament called ranji if they want to select personal best,” an X user stated.
this indian team selection is frustrating i mean his mate prasidh is playing ahead of Aqaib Nabi why they are having a tournament called ranji if they want to select personal best— zayn aryan (@Zayn_aryann96) August 15, 2026
“I would like to extend my best wishes to the team. But, selections have to be fair,” another fan clarified. “The players which are suitable for formats should always play.
“Sarfaraz Khan deserved to be in this playing 11. Dhruv Jurel needs more domestic cricket exposure to polish his skills.”
Maybe the Indian management also missed a trick by not picking Saransh Jain? An all-rounder who could fill the role of a 6th bowler. Now, the fans wait and watch.