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Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is set to achieve the biggest milestone of his cricketing career after being approved as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for India’s upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, becoming only the third cricketer from the Union Territory to earn a senior national team call-up.
The 25-year-old right-arm seamer is expected to be drafted into the Indian squad after premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the series due to a lingering knee injury that has failed to heal despite undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“Bumrah is not fit and Auqib Nabi has been approved as his replacement,” a BCCI source told PTI.
The call-up marks a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, with Nabi joining the elite list of players from the region to receive a senior India call-up after all-rounder Parvez Rasool and express pacer Umran Malik. While Rasool and Malik were selected in India’s white-ball squads, Nabi is set to break into the national red-ball setup on the strength of his outstanding performances in domestic cricket.
Reward for Consistency
Nabi’s elevation comes after two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons in which he claimed more than 100 wickets, emerging as one of the country’s most consistent fast bowlers.
He played a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir’s impressive red-ball campaign, spearheading the pace attack with his ability to generate movement and extract bounce while also contributing valuable runs lower down the order.
His consistent performances had placed him firmly on the selectors’ radar, and Bumrah’s injury has now opened the door for his long-awaited opportunity on the international stage.
Bumrah Ruled Out
India’s plans for the Sri Lanka series were dealt a major blow after Bumrah failed to recover from a knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
Although the 32-year-old had been expected to regain fitness in time for at least one of the two Tests, the BCCI’s Sports Science team at the Centre of Excellence decided against risking the pace spearhead, considering India’s demanding international calendar.
According to BCCI sources, Bumrah continues to experience discomfort, and medical experts believe a Test match—with its heavy workload—would not be the ideal format for his return, even if he regains match fitness before the series begins.
Sri Lanka Series Begins August 15
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