Meet Auqib Nabi: The Jammu & Kashmir Pacer Replacing Jasprit Bumrah in India's Test Squad
Jasprit Bumrah's injury has opened the door for a new face. The selectors have handed Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi his first senior India call-up for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. For many cricket fans, the obvious question is: Who is Auqib Nabi?
Here's a closer look at the fast bowler who has quietly built one of the strongest domestic records in Indian cricket.
Who is Auqib Nabi?
Auqib Nabi is a 27-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir who has steadily emerged as one of India's most consistent performers in domestic cricket. His breakthrough has come through performances rather than hype, with the pacer piling up wickets season after season in the Ranji Trophy.
Why has India picked him now?
Nabi replaces Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series after failing to recover fully from a left knee injury suffered during the ODI series against England. The selectors rewarded Nabi after another outstanding domestic season and an impressive showing for India A.
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How good has he been in domestic cricket?
The numbers explain why the selectors took notice. Across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, Nabi has taken 104 wickets, including an outstanding 60 wickets in the 2025-26 season. Overall, he has claimed 162 wickets in 43 first-class matches, averaging just 18.63, with 16 five-wicket hauls and four 10-wicket match hauls.
What has been his biggest achievement so far?
Nabi played a crucial role in helping Jammu & Kashmir win their maiden Ranji Trophy title, one of the biggest milestones in the state's cricketing history. That campaign firmly established him as one of the country's premier domestic fast bowlers.
Has he been in the India setup before?
Yes. He recently toured Sri Lanka with the India A side, picking up six wickets in two first-class matches. That tour appears to have convinced selectors that he was ready for the next step.
Why is this series important for him?
India's pace attack has been hit by injuries. Apart from Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Akash Deep are also unavailable or recovering. That creates a rare opportunity for Nabi to impress in Indian colours and potentially establish himself in the national Test setup.
When does India play Sri Lanka?
India will begin the two-Test series at Galle on August 15, before moving to Colombo for the second Test on August 23. The series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, making every match crucial for India's campaign.
(With inputs from ANI)