Jammu and Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi replaces Jasprit Bumrah for Sri Lanka Test series
Auqib Nabi, a fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, has received his maiden call-up to the India Test squad. He will replace the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The series is part of the World Test Championship and is set to begin on August 15 in Galle.
Bumrah has been managing a knee injury since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He recently returned to international cricket, making his One Day International comeback against England after an absence of nearly two years. However, he featured in only two matches and was ruled out of the final game due to discomfort in his knee. India confirmed Bumrah’s withdrawal, stating he has not fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
The decision for Bumrah to continue his recovery was made with long-term implications in mind. His absence adds to India’s injury concerns, as Harshit Rana (hamstring), Nitish Kumar Reddy (quad), and Washington Sundar (hamstring) have also been ruled out of the tour. Sai Sudharsan is also in a race against time to recover from a toe injury to prove his fitness for the opening Test.
Nabi’s Path to the National Squad
Nabi’s selection comes after strong domestic performances. He has taken 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign. His contributions were pivotal in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. Nabi was also part of the India A squad that recently toured Sri Lanka, where he claimed six wickets in two First Class matches.
His journey to the national team has been marked by perseverance. Early in his career, Nabi did not own bowling spikes and borrowed them for his first U-19 trial in Jammu and Kashmir. He played his entire first U-19 tournament in borrowed shoes. His parents, who are government school teachers, initially wanted him to focus on studies, and cricket was not part of their plans.
Nabi’s cricketing education began with tennis-ball matches, like many youngsters in Kashmir. The transition to leather-ball cricket presented challenges, particularly the need for a turf wicket. He had to travel approximately one and a half hours from Baramulla to Srinagar to practice on a proper surface, a routine he maintained for a significant period. This dedication reflects his philosophy that aspiring to play for India means not making excuses.
Developing a Key Skill
A key aspect of Nabi’s development has been his ability to swing the ball both ways, a skill many fast bowlers spend years mastering. When he first joined the Jammu and Kashmir team for the Buchi Babu Trophy in Salem in 2023, he primarily bowled outswingers. However, he expressed a desire to bowl both ways, leading to focused work on his inswing with P. Krishnakumar, Jammu and Kashmir’s bowling coach.
Krishnakumar noted Nabi’s great wrist position as one of his biggest strengths. He also addressed some biomechanical issues, and results began to show from the second year of their work together. Nabi learned to use the ball effectively, bowl in different sessions, and identify batters’ weaknesses, improving his preparation. The inswing eventually became a significant weapon in his arsenal, and he later added the scrambled seam delivery, making him a more complete bowler.
Nabi believes his biggest transformation has been in his mindset. He stated that he used to focus solely on taking wickets but now concentrates on bowling in good areas, regardless of whether the ball swings in or away. This approach has also helped him navigate challenging bowling conditions, such as flat Indian pitches, by trusting the basics and consistently bowling in good areas.
Future Aspirations and the Test Series
Nabi’s domestic performances also led to an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract worth Rs 8.40 crore with the Delhi Capitals. Although his first IPL season did not go as planned, as he did not take a single wicket in five matches, he has plans for the money earned. He intends to build an academy in Baramulla to find and train more aspiring cricketers from his hometown, noting the lack of facilities there.
The upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka holds significant importance for India in the race to reach the ICC World Test Championship Final, scheduled to be played at The Oval next year. India currently sits fifth in the standings with a points percentage of 48.15, while Sri Lanka is close behind in sixth with 41.67. The first Test is scheduled from August 15-19 in Galle, followed by the second Test from August 23-27 in Colombo.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
