Auqib Nabi earns maiden India Test call-up for Sri Lanka series

The Indian cricket team has named Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, marking Nabi’s maiden call-up to the senior national squad. Bumrah, the premier fast bowler, has been ruled out due to a left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England, which has prevented him from regaining full fitness in time for the tour.

Nabi, a 29-year-old right-arm seamer, has secured his place in the squad after an outstanding domestic campaign, including 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. His 60-wicket haul in the 2025-26 season was pivotal in helping Jammu and Kashmir clinch their maiden Ranji Trophy title. His performances also earned him a spot in the India A squad for the recent tour of Sri Lanka, where he took six wickets in two first-class matches against Sri Lanka A, including figures of 4 for 58 in the first innings of the opening game.

The BCCI’s Men’s Selection Committee confirmed Nabi’s inclusion, citing his “consistent domestic exploits” and “relentless force to reckon with.” The decision comes after Bumrah failed to clear the fitness assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, despite being initially included in the squad subject to medical clearance. This setback further delays Bumrah’s return to Test cricket, following a history of managing injuries, including a back issue during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Bumrah’s absence adds to India’s injury concerns ahead of the series, which is crucial for the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Other players like Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar are already sidelined, while Sai Sudharsan is undergoing fitness tests to determine his availability for the opening Test in Galle. The series, starting on August 15, carries significant weight as India, currently fifth in the WTC table, aims to secure a spot in the 2027 final.

Nabi’s selection highlights his perseverance after being overlooked for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June 2026, despite accumulating 44 wickets in the 2024-25 season and 60 in the subsequent campaign. His inclusion has been welcomed as a reward for his domestic consistency, with the BCCI noting his “pivotal role” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy triumph. The 29-year-old, who has taken 162 wickets in 43 first-class games, becomes the third Jammu and Kashmir player to represent India, following Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik, though he is the first from the region to earn a Test call-up.

India’s updated squad for the Sri Lanka series includes captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain KL Rahul, and key all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Nabi joins a pace attack that also features Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Manav Suthar. The team is set to depart for Colombo on Tuesday, with the first Test scheduled for Galle from August 15 to 19, followed by a second match in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

The series will test India’s depth as they navigate injury challenges and aim to maintain their WTC position. For Nabi, the call-up represents a career milestone, offering a platform to prove himself on the international stage after years of domestic success. His inclusion underscores the BCCI’s focus on rewarding consistent performances, even as the team grapples with the ongoing impact of Bumrah’s injury and other absences.