Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has earned his maiden call-up to the senior Indian Test team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the 29-year-old seamer has been named as the replacement for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Bumrah has been officially ruled out of the tour after failing to fully recover from a left knee injury. Nabi’s inclusion marks a major career milestone following outstanding domestic seasons. However, losing Bumrah presents a significant selection challenge for India as they prepare for a critical World Test Championship (WTC) assignment.
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| Detail | Official Information |
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| Appointing Body | Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) |
| Player Called Up | Auqib Nabi (Jammu & Kashmir) |
| Player Replaced | Jasprit Bumrah (Left knee injury) |
| Test Series | India vs Sri Lanka (2 Tests, Aug 15–27, 2026) |
| WTC Cycle | 2025–2027 World Test Championship |
| India Captain | Shubman Gill |
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Bumrah Ruled Out, Auqib Nabi Called Up
The BCCI Men’s Selection Committee officially announced the squad change following medical assessments at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Bumrah sustained an impact injury to his left knee during the ODI series against England in Cardiff. Subsequent swelling and persistent discomfort led the medical team to rule him out to prevent long-term complications.
In his place, selectors turned to Auqib Nabi, whose dominant performances in first-class cricket made him the primary candidate for a red-ball call-up. Nabi joins India’s updated squad as they gear up for the opening Test in Galle on August 15.
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| Updated Test Squad | Players |
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| Captain & Vice | Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC) |
| Batters | Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan*, Devdutt Padikkal|
| Wicketkeepers | Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel |
| All-Rounders/Spinners | Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, |
| | Saransh Jain |
| Fast Bowlers | Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, |
| | Auqib Nabi |
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*Subject to fitness clearance
Who Is Auqib Nabi?
Auqib Nabi is a 29-year-old right-arm medium-pacer from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. Known for his disciplined lines, tight seam movement, and ability to extract bounce from unresponsive surfaces, Nabi has been the standout bowler in Indian domestic cricket over the past two years.
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| Career Statistic | Performance Record |
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| Ranji Wickets (2 Yrs)| 104 Wickets across 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons |
| 2025–26 Ranji Campaign| 60 Wickets (Led J&K to maiden Ranji title) |
| India A vs SL A | 6 Wickets in 2 First-Class matches (Galle) |
| Best India A Spell | 4/58 (1st Unofficial Test vs Sri Lanka A) |
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His consistent displays for India A during their recent shadow tour of Sri Lanka further reinforced his readiness for the international arena. Selecting Nabi reflects the committee’s policy of rewarding sustained domestic achievements.
A Dream Call-Up After Years of Hard Work
Nabi’s selection represents a landmark moment for regional sports development. He becomes only the third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a senior national team selection, following in the footsteps of Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik.
After years of relentless grinding in the domestic circuit, Nabi’s 60-wicket haul during the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season propelled Jammu and Kashmir to their first-ever Ranji Trophy championship. His achievement provides immense inspiration for emerging cricketers across the region.
How India Will Cope Without Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence leaves a significant void at the head of India’s bowling attack. As India’s primary strike bowler, his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs in all conditions is difficult to replicate.
With Bumrah sidelined, experienced seamer Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack alongside Prasidh Krishna, uncapped Gurnoor Brar, and Auqib Nabi. On Sri Lankan pitches that traditionally favor spin, India may rely heavily on Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while the pacers focus on disciplined control with the new ball.
India’s Challenge in Sri Lanka
The two-Test series holds major importance for India’s qualification hopes in the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle.
- 1st Test: Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle (August 15–19)
- 2nd Test: Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo (August 23–27)
Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, India must adapt quickly to Sri Lanka’s turning tracks and warm weather. Securing positive results in both Tests is vital for India to climb the WTC standings.
Reaction from the Cricket World
The official announcement drew praise across the domestic cricket community.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the squad change via an official press statement:
“Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka as he has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as Bumrah’s replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team.”
Conclusion
Auqib Nabi’s maiden Test call-up is a deserving reward for years of consistent domestic excellence and a historic Ranji Trophy campaign. While Jasprit Bumrah’s knee injury leaves a major gap in India’s pace bowling attack, the upcoming series in Sri Lanka provides Nabi with an ideal platform to begin his international career. As India pursues vital World Test Championship points, Nabi’s inclusion offers a promising new chapter for both the bowler and Jammu and Kashmir cricket.
References & Credits
- Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI): Official Media Release: Auqib Nabi Replaces Jasprit Bumrah in India’s Test Squad (August 3, 2026).
- International Cricket Council (ICC): World Test Championship 2025–2027 Fixtures & Standings (August 2026).
- Reuters Sports: Bumrah Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Tests; Auqib Nabi Earns First Call-Up (August 3, 2026).
- ESPNcricinfo: India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026: Squad Updates and Match Analysis (August 3, 2026).
- Times of India: J&K Pacer Auqib Nabi Drafted Into Indian Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series (August 3, 2026).
- Hindustan Times: Jasprit Bumrah Sidelined with Knee Injury as Auqib Nabi Joins Test Setup (August 3, 2026).
