Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer is hopeful that Auqib Nabi travels with the team for foreign tours after the Jammu and Kashmir pacer was ignored by the selectors for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan.

The fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir had a dream run in the previous season of the Ranji Trophy, leading his team to glory for the first time in the domestic tournament’s history.

Nabi scalped 60 wickets in 10 matches of the 2025-26 season at a stunning average of 12.57, including seven five-wicket hauls.

“I feel they should have taken Auqib. Performance speaks for itself. There is nothing to tell here. He played the biggest role in winning the Ranji Trophy for J&K. He deserves it. But I want him to get an opportunity outside India, so I am not as disappointed, really. I can understand that in Indian conditions, he may not get many chances as he is not an out-and-out tearaway fast bowler,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

“He is a very skilful bowler. So I don’t mind, but at least he should have been in the squad given his performances. You are not doing a favor on him, he has performed. I hope he is there when India travels overseas,” he added.

On the other hand, Jaffer admitted that GT will be favorites against CSK but he wants the latter to win to make the playoffs race even more interesting.

“I think Gujarat are favorites for sure. They are playing well. Yes, their game against KKR was ordinary. But overall, GT is a better team and playing at home, you expect them to do well. But I want CSK to do well and win, so things get more interesting. All teams should be interested till the last day, only then is it fun,” he said.

GT will host CSK at Ahmedabad on Thursday.