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Jasprit Bumrah (Source:X)
India's preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka have suffered a major concern, with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah unlikely to be fully fit ahead of the much-awaited tour.
The BCCI selectors are expected to announce India's squad next week by July 28, but Jasprit Bumrah's availability remains uncertain after he was advised to continue his recovery.
Why BCCI Could Name Jasprit Bumrah's Replacement?
The right-arm pacer missed the third ODI against England due to a knee injury. According to the latest reports, Bumrah has been asked to rest until July 30 before reporting to the BCCI COE for further assessment. His selection for the Sri Lanka Test series will depend on his fitness.
India are already dealing with several injury concerns. Washington Sundar is likely unavailable for the first Test and remains doubtful for the second match. Sai Sudharsan is still recovering from injury, while Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also doubtful for the IND vs SL Test series.
If Jasprit Bumrah fails to recover in time, the Indian team management will have to look for a suitable replacement. Here are three fast bowlers who could be considered for the India's Test vs Sri Lanka 2026.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah's Replacements- Uncapped Players India Can Groom For 2027 World Cup
Auqib Nabi
Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has impressed everyone with his performances over the last year and is one of the strongest contenders to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the IND vs SL Test series. He enjoyed an outstanding Ranji Trophy campaign, finishing as the tournament's highest wicket-taker.
Nabi scalped 60 wickets in 17 innings at an economy rate of 2.65. With the bat, he made 245 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 74.02 and an average of 22.27.
His excellent domestic form earned him a place in India's squad for the one-off Test vs Afghanistan, although he did not get the chance to make his international debut.
The youngster also impressed during the India A tour of Sri Lanka 2026. Playing against Sri Lanka A, Nabi picked up six wickets in four innings while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.19. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 30 runs in two innings.
Yash Thakur
Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur is another player who could be considered if India need a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. The 27-year-old recently made his India debut against Zimbabwe in the 2nd T20I and has built a reputation as a dependable fast bowler in domestic cricket.
During the India A tour of Sri Lanka, he featured in the unofficial Test matches against Sri Lanka A. He picked up five wickets in three innings while maintaining an excellent economy rate of just 2.57. Earlier in the Sri Lanka tri-series, he also claimed five wickets in three matches.
One of Thakur's biggest strengths is his familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions. Having already played in the country, he understands how to bowl effectively on these pitches.
His domestic performances have also been impressive. In the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he took 19 wickets in nine matches. He followed that up with 18 wickets in seven matches during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
Mukesh Kumar
If the team management wants a proven performer in the squad, Mukesh Kumar could also be a choice. The fast bowler last represented India in Test cricket during the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam, which was played from February 2 to February 5, 2024.
Since then, he has continued to perform consistently in domestic cricket. In the 2025-26 Ranji Elite season, Mukesh picked up 11 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 3.26 and a strike rate of 53.
The fact cannot be denied that Mukesh has already experienced the demands of Test cricket and could be recalled in place of Jasprit Bumrah.
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