Jammu & Kashmir Seamer Auqib Nabi Replaces Injured Jasprit Bumrah for India vs Sri Lanka Test Series

Jammu & Kashmir's seasoned seamer, Auqib Nabi, has received his much-anticipated maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad, replacing the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka due to a lingering left knee injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development today, August 3, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the 29-year-old pacer. Rishabh Pant Trains With MS Dhoni in Ranchi Ahead of IND vs SL 2026 Test Series.

Bumrah, aged 32, had sustained the injury while fielding during the One-Day International (ODI) series against England, and despite intensive rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the swelling in his left knee has taken longer than expected to subside. His absence is a major blow for India as they embark on this vital World Test Championship (WTC) assignment, where they currently sit fifth in the standings.

Auqib Nabi's Rise to Stardom

Auqib Nabi's selection is a testament to his consistent and stellar performances in domestic cricket over the past two seasons. The Baramulla-born seamer was instrumental in Jammu & Kashmir's historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2025-26 campaign, where he scalped an impressive 60 wickets. Across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, Nabi has bagged a remarkable 104 wickets. His red-ball prowess was further highlighted during India A's recent tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches played in Galle, demonstrating his familiarity with local conditions.

Nabi now becomes only the third cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to earn a senior India call-up, following in the footsteps of Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik, but he is the first from the state to be named in India's Test squad. His first-class career statistics boast 156 wickets from 41 matches at an average of 18.37, including 16 five-wicket hauls and 4 ten-wicket hauls, alongside contributing 969 runs with the bat at an average of 19.00.

IND vs SL Series Schedule and Key Details

The two-Test series, part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, will see India, led by Shubman Gill, take on Sri Lanka, captained by Dhananjaya de Silva. India enters the series with an impressive record in Sri Lanka, having won their last five Tests there and remaining unbeaten in bilateral Test series on the island since 2008.

Ahead of the Tests, India will play a four-day warm-up match in Colombo.

India's Injury Concerns Mount

Bumrah's withdrawal adds to India's growing injury list. Washington Sundar (hamstring) is ruled out of the tour due to injury, while Sai Sudharsan's participation is also subject to fitness clearance due to a toe injury. These setbacks will test the depth and resilience of the Indian squad as they aim to consolidate their position in the World Test Championship race.

Nabi's inclusion provides a fresh fast-bowling option for India, who will be keen to start their Sri Lanka campaign strongly. His ability to perform in subcontinental conditions, coupled with his recent form, makes him a promising prospect for a potential Test debut. The series promises to be a gripping contest as both teams vie for crucial WTC points.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 03, 2026 12:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).