India has named Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi as the replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
Bumrah has been ruled out of the tour after continuing to experience discomfort in his left knee. Following a medical assessment, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team advised the star pacer to rest, opening the door for Nabi’s maiden Test call-up.
BCCI Confirms Auqib Nabi’s Selection
The BCCI officially announced Auqib Nabi’s inclusion through its social media channels, confirming that the young fast bowler has received his first-ever selection to India’s Test team.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Nabi’s cricketing career after years of consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Why Was Auqib Nabi Selected?
Auqib Nabi earned his place in the national squad on the back of outstanding performances in the Ranji Trophy.
Over the last two domestic seasons, the right-arm fast bowler has claimed 104 wickets, establishing himself as one of India’s most promising pace bowlers.
His standout 2025–26 season included:
- 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy
- A key role in helping Jammu & Kashmir win their maiden Ranji Trophy title
His impressive domestic form also earned him a place in the India A squad that recently toured Sri Lanka.
During that tour, Nabi picked up six wickets in two unofficial Test matches, further strengthening his case for national selection.
India’s Test Squad for the Sri Lanka Tour
Following Bumrah’s withdrawal, India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series includes:
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant
- Sai Sudharsan
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Manav Suthar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Auqib Nabi
- Gurnoor Brar
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Saransh Jain
India’s Sri Lanka Tour Schedule
India will depart for Sri Lanka on August 4.
The tour schedule includes:
- August 7: Three-day warm-up match in Colombo
- August 15: First Test in Galle
- August 23: Second Test in Colombo
The two-match Test series will provide India with an opportunity to test its bench strength while giving young players like Auqib Nabi a chance to make an impact at the highest level.
A Big Opportunity for the Young Pacer
Replacing a world-class fast bowler like Jasprit Bumrah is a significant challenge, but Auqib Nabi’s recent performances suggest he has earned this opportunity.
With consistent success in domestic cricket and valuable experience with India A, the young pacer now has the chance to prove himself on the international stage as India begins its Test campaign in Sri Lanka.
