Gujarat Titans Target J&K Pacer Auqib Nabi As Cover-Up Option For Siraj, Prasidh
Cheteshwar Pujara thinks that this in-form bowler from Jammu & Kashmir might prove to be a good choice for GT as a reserve bowler despite not being part of the first choice starting XI
Auqib Nabi’s domestic form has brought him into the IPL spotlight
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has come into the limelight before the impending IPL mini-auction, and former Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has revealed that Gujarat Titans need to keep tabs on the pacer. Auqib Nabi’s domestic performances currently are worth appreciating, and even more so in white-ball cricket, considering that the pacer has the knack of picking up wickets on a regular basis and hence is the point of discussion for talent scouts.
In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Nabi proved to be among the leading wicket-takers for J&K, taking a total of 15 wickets in seven matches while also boasting a stupendous economy rate. His performance of 4 wickets in 16 balls demonstrated his ability to control his deliveries, which is a rare skill in a T-20 format. He also replicated his success in the Ranji Trophy, where he bagged a total of 29 wickets in nine innings, including a remarkable seven-wicket haul.
However, according to Pujara, since Gujarat Titans already has a strong lineup of fast bowlers, they might consider Nabi as a back-up option in the playing eleven. It will become difficult for Nabi to find a spot in the playing eleven, considering the presence of big names like Mohammed Siraj, and others in the pace attack. However, Nabi’s reserve price of 30 lakhs is very tempting considering him as a low-risk purchase option.
Pujara has also pointed out that Gujarat Titans might attempt to rectify the balance in their side with some good buys in the batting line. Though Auqib Nabi might not make a lot of headlines on the day of the auction, the consistent improvement in the domestic leagues indicates that he might turn out to be a quality addition for any side.
