Indian cricket selectors today named Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi to the national Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. The call-up marks Nabi's maiden selection to the senior India team. He replaces star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out due to an unresolved left knee injury. The series begins on August 15, 2026, in Sri Lanka.[indianexpress+4]
A Reward for Domestic Dominance
Auqib Nabi, a right-arm medium-fast bowler from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, earned his selection through consistent and exceptional performances in domestic cricket. The 29-year-old played a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph earlier this year.Nabi claimed an impressive 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. He took 60 of those wickets in the 2025-26 campaign alone.His exceptional numbers included a sensational 7 for 24 against Rajasthan in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season.Nabi also won the Player of the Tournament award for his 60 wickets at an average of 12.65 in that season.[indianexpress+9]
His strong domestic form extended to the India A squad. Nabi was part of the India A tour of Sri Lanka recently, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches.In his India A debut innings against Sri Lanka, he claimed a four-wicket haul.This consistent performance kept him on the selectors' radar.[indianexpress+5]
Nabi's call-up holds significant meaning for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir. He is the first player from the region to receive a Test call-up. He is only the third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to make it to the national side, following Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik, who both represented India in white-ball cricket.Former India all-rounder Parveez Rasool, also from Jammu and Kashmir, shared an emotional message for Nabi. "No amount of rejection or ignorance can change your destiny. Heartiest congratulations, Auqib Nabi, on your well-deserved selection to the Indian Test squad," Rasool said.[hindustantimes+2]
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle highlighted the positive trend Nabi's selection represents. "The selection of Auqib Nabi Dar...is an encouraging sign for performers in domestic cricket. It doesn't matter how old you are, if you keep performing, there is a window of opportunity open for you," Bhogle said.This sentiment was echoed by fans, many of whom felt the call-up was long overdue.[m+2]
Beyond his red-ball cricket, Nabi also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season for Delhi Capitals. The franchise acquired him for Rs 8.40 crore in the IPL auction.His first-class career began in January 2020 for Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy.He made his List A debut in 2018 and T20 debut in 2019.Nabi also achieved a rare feat in the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, taking four wickets in four balls, a double hat-trick.In his 43 first-class games, Nabi has taken 162 wickets at an average of 18.63, including 16 five-wicket hauls.He is also a capable lower-order batter, scoring 999 runs with two fifties.[en+8]
Bumrah's Injury Opens Door
Auqib Nabi's inclusion came after India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was officially ruled out of the Sri Lanka series. Bumrah sustained a left knee injury during last month's One Day International (ODI) series against England.Initial reports suggested Bumrah had cleared fitness tests and might play in Sri Lanka.However, subsequent assessments revealed the swelling in his knee was more serious.[hindustantimes+3]
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Sports Science team advised against rushing Bumrah back into Test cricket. This decision considers India's busy schedule in the coming months.A BCCI source stated, "The two people who run the CoE, Dhananjay and Thulasi, have decided that Bumrah can't be risked."Bumrah's absence leaves a significant void in the Indian bowling attack.[hindustantimes+2]
India's Crucial Sri Lanka Tour
The two-Test series against Sri Lanka is a critical part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.India currently sits fifth in the WTC standings. The matches in Sri Lanka are vital for India to improve their position and keep their WTC final qualification hopes alive.[en+5]
The tour includes a three-day practice game in Colombo, starting August 7. Nabi is expected to play in this warm-up match, potentially before making his Test debut.The first Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium from August 15 to August 19.The second and final Test is scheduled for August 23 to August 27 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.[thesportstak+6]
Shubman Gill will lead the Indian Test squad as captain, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain.The squad also features other key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj.Saransh Jain also earned his maiden Test call-up for this series.India's last Test tour of Sri Lanka was in 2017, where they secured a dominant 3-0 series victory.[en+12]
Auqib Nabi's selection offers him a golden opportunity to make his mark on the international stage. His journey from Jammu and Kashmir's domestic circuit to the national Test team highlights the rewards for consistent performance and perseverance. The upcoming series will test India's depth and provide Nabi with a chance to prove his mettle.
