Auqib Nabi Replaces Injured Jasprit Bumrah in India's Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series

India have handed Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi his maiden Test call-up after premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to injury.

The 29-year-old domestic star replaces Bumrah in the squad and is now in contention to make his Test debut when the series begins in Galle on August 15.

Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out with Knee Injury

Bumrah has not recovered fully from the left knee injury he sustained while fielding during the ODI series against England.

Despite undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, swelling in the injured knee has persisted, prompting the selectors to opt for a replacement ahead of the crucial World Test Championship assignment.

His absence is another setback for India, who will be without one of their most experienced pace bowlers.

Auqib Nabi Rewarded for Outstanding Domestic Performances

Auqib Nabi has been one of India's most consistent performers in domestic red-ball cricket over the last two seasons.

His impressive record includes:

• 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons.
• 60 wickets during the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy campaign.
• A key role in helping Jammu and Kashmir win their maiden Ranji Trophy title.

His consistent performances have kept him on the national selectors' radar, eventually earning him his first official Test squad selection.

Strong India A Tour Boosted His Chances

Nabi further strengthened his case during India A's recent tour of Sri Lanka.

Playing first-class matches in Galle, the right-arm pacer picked up six wickets in two matches, gaining valuable experience in Sri Lankan conditions.

His familiarity with the pitches could prove useful as India prepare for the upcoming Test series.

Historic Achievement for Jammu and Kashmir Cricket

With this selection, Auqib Nabi creates history.

He becomes:

• The third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a senior India call-up after Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik.
• The first player from the state to be selected in India's Test squad.

The call-up marks another milestone for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir and highlights the growing depth of talent emerging from the region.

India's Injury Concerns Continue

Bumrah's absence adds to India's growing injury list ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.

Players currently unavailable or under injury concerns include:

• Jasprit Bumrah
• Harshit Rana
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Washington Sundar

Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan is still recovering from a foot injury and remains doubtful for the opening Test.

Competition for a Spot in the Playing XI

With Bumrah unavailable, Nabi will compete with India's other fast bowlers for a place in the starting XI.

The pace attack options include:

• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Gurnoor Brar
• Auqib Nabi

Team management will finalise the bowling combination based on conditions in Sri Lanka.

World Test Championship Points at Stake

The two-Test series carries significant importance in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

India currently sit fifth in the standings, while Sri Lanka are sixth.

A successful tour could significantly strengthen India's chances of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship Final.

India's Updated Test Squad for Sri Lanka

• Shubman Gill (Captain)
• KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Sai Sudharsan*
• Dhruv Jurel (WK)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Manav Suthar
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Gurnoor Brar
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Saransh Jain
• Auqib Nabi

*Sai Sudharsan remains subject to fitness clearance.

Key Highlights

• Auqib Nabi has received his maiden India Test call-up.
• He replaces injured Jasprit Bumrah for the Sri Lanka Test series.
• Bumrah is recovering from a left knee injury.
• Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons.
• He played a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
• The two-Test series begins on August 15 in Galle.
• India will look to improve their position in the World Test Championship standings.