Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has received his maiden India call-up after being included in the squad as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Bumrah has been ruled out of the series after failing to make a full recovery from a left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
The 29-year-old Nabi earned his place in the national team following two impressive Ranji Trophy seasons. He has taken 104 wickets during this period, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 season, where he played a crucial role in helping Jammu and Kashmir secure their first-ever Ranji Trophy title.
Nabi’s consistent performances also earned him a spot in the India A squad for the recent Sri Lanka tour. During the two four-day matches against Sri Lanka A, the right-arm pacer picked up six wickets, including a brilliant spell of 4/58 in the first innings of the opening match.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah continues to remain unavailable due to the knee injury he suffered during the second ODI against England. He was initially named in India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series, subject to passing a fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, he has not recovered in time to join the team.
The latest injury setback has delayed Bumrah’s return to Test cricket further, as his workload has already been managed carefully after the back injury he sustained during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He played only three of the five Tests during India’s England tour last year and was later rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June.
India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Test series will be led by Shubman Gill, while KL Rahul has been appointed as vice-captain. Sai Sudharsan continues to be part of the squad, subject to fitness clearance.