India's preparations for the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka Test series have suffered another setback, with premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah ruled out through injury. In his place, the selectors have handed a maiden Test call-up to Auqib Nabi, the 29-year-old pace spearhead from Jammu & Kashmir, for the two-match series that begins on August 15 in Galle.
The inclusion marks a significant milestone in Nabi's career after years of consistent performances in domestic cricket. The right-arm seamer has been one of the standout bowlers in the Ranji Trophy over the last two seasons, and he has earned his opportunity at the highest level. If he makes his debut during the tour, Nabi will become the first cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to represent India in Test cricket, which would add another historic chapter to the state's cricketing journey.
Auqib Nabi's Domestic Form Earns National Recognition
Auqib Nabi arrives in the India squad on the back of exceptional form. Across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, he has claimed 104 wickets, including an impressive 60 wickets during the 2025-26 campaign. His performances played a pivotal role in helping Jammu & Kashmir secure their maiden Ranji Trophy title, and they established him as one of the country's most consistent domestic fast bowlers.
India A Tour Strengthens Nabi's Case
The seamer also impressed during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches. His ability to extract movement with the new ball and to maintain disciplined lines has caught the attention of the selectors, who have now rewarded his sustained excellence.
Bumrah has not fully recovered from the left knee niggle that he sustained during the second ODI against England in Cardiff last month. The injury has added to concerns that have lingered since the T20 World Cup, and it has forced the management to leave him out of the Sri Lanka tour.
India's Growing Injury List
India's injury list has continued to grow ahead of the Test series. Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy remain unavailable after suffering hamstring and quadriceps injuries respectively. Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the opening Test with a hamstring issue, while Akash Deep is still recovering from stress reactions in his back.
Despite these setbacks, India have assembled a balanced pace attack featuring Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and debutant hopeful Auqib Nabi. The spin department will be led by Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain.
India Squad for the Sri Lanka Test Series
The India squad for the Sri Lanka Test series is led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain. The batting unit includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness clearance), Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel.
Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness clearance), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Saransh Jain.
Warm-Up Match and Series Schedule
The team will play a three-day warm-up match in Colombo from August 7 before the first Test begins in Galle on August 15. While Bumrah's absence is undoubtedly a major blow, the tour also presents an exciting opportunity for Auqib Nabi to translate his domestic success onto the international stage and potentially script history for Jammu & Kashmir cricket.
Also Read: Saransh Jain Earns Maiden India Test Call-Up for Sri Lanka Series
