Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has received his maiden India Test call-up after being named as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The 29-year-old pacer earned his place in the national squad following a remarkable run of performances in domestic cricket and India A matches.
Bumrah was ruled out of the series after failing to recover fully from a left knee injury he suffered during the ODI series against England. The premier fast bowler was part of India’s Test squad subject to fitness clearance, but the latest assessment confirmed that he would not be available for the Sri Lanka tour.
The inclusion of Auqib Nabi marks a significant milestone in his career. The right-arm seamer has impressed selectors with his consistency in the Ranji Trophy, where he has been one of the most successful bowlers in recent seasons.
Domestic Success Earns Nabi National Recognition
Nabi’s selection comes after two outstanding Ranji Trophy campaigns in which he established himself as a reliable wicket-taker for Jammu and Kashmir. He has claimed 104 wickets across these two seasons, including an exceptional performance in the 2025-26 campaign.
During the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, Nabi played an important role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic title-winning campaign. His performances helped the team secure their maiden Ranji Trophy championship, making him one of the standout players of the tournament.
His ability to generate consistent pace, maintain accuracy and deliver crucial breakthroughs made him a key figure in Jammu and Kashmir’s successful domestic season.
Strong India A Performance Strengthened Nabi’s Case
Before earning his senior India call-up, Auqib Nabi was selected for the India A squad for the recent tour of Sri Lanka. The opportunity provided him with a platform to compete against strong opposition and demonstrate his readiness for international cricket.
In the two four-day matches against Sri Lanka A, Nabi delivered an impressive performance, taking six wickets in the series. His best performance came in the first innings of the opening match, where he recorded figures of 4 wickets for 58 runs.
The India A performances further strengthened his case for selection and highlighted his ability to perform in conditions similar to those expected during the upcoming Test series.
Bumrah’s Injury Continues to Delay Test Return
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence is another setback in his return to Test cricket. The fast bowler has been carefully managed since suffering a back injury during India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia.
Although Bumrah was included in the squad for the Sri Lanka series, his participation depended on successfully clearing a fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, he has not recovered in time to take part in the two-Test series.
The latest injury concern adds to the workload management challenges surrounding India’s premier fast bowler, who remains a crucial part of the team’s plans across all formats.
Bumrah’s Recent Test Workload Managed Carefully
Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for Test cricket has been closely monitored after his workload increased during India’s recent international assignments. The fast bowler featured in only three of the five Tests during India’s tour of England last year before being rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June.
The Indian team management has continued to take a cautious approach with Bumrah, considering his importance and the physical demands placed on a fast bowler across formats. His latest injury setback means the team will move ahead without one of its most experienced pace options for the Sri Lanka series.
India Squad Led by Shubman Gill
India will enter the two-Test series against Sri Lanka under the leadership of Shubman Gill, who has been named captain of the squad. KL Rahul has been appointed vice-captain as the team prepares for the upcoming challenge.
The squad includes a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging players. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja remain important members of the team, while young players continue to get opportunities to strengthen India’s Test bench.
Sai Sudharsan has also been included in the squad, subject to fitness clearance. The left-handed batter has been part of India’s recent plans and remains a player under consideration for the longer format.
Updated India Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | Captain |
| KL Rahul | Vice-Captain |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper |
| Sai Sudharsan* | Batter (subject to fitness clearance) |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| Manav Suthar | Spinner |
| Mohammed Siraj | Fast Bowler |
| Prasidh Krishna | Fast Bowler |
| Gurnoor Brar | Fast Bowler |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batter |
| Saransh Jain | Bowler |
| Auqib Nabi | Fast Bowler |
New Opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir Cricket
Auqib Nabi’s selection represents a major achievement for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, which has produced several talented players in recent years. His journey from domestic cricket to the national setup highlights the importance of strong performances in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.
Nabi will now have the opportunity to work alongside India’s experienced players and showcase his skills at the highest level. His selection also adds depth to India’s pace bowling options ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series.
Focus Shifts Towards Sri Lanka Test Challenge
With Bumrah unavailable, India’s bowling attack will rely on the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and emerging pacers including Auqib Nabi. The team management will be hoping that the combination of experience and fresh talent can deliver strong performances during the series.
For Nabi, the call-up marks the beginning of a new chapter. After years of consistent domestic performances, the Jammu and Kashmir pacer has earned the chance to represent India in Test cricket and prove himself on the international stage.
Source: Information provided in the supplied source material.
