BCCI Announces Jasprit Bumrah's Replacement For India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026

BCCI announced Jasprit Bumrah's replacement for IND vs SL Tests [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the BCCI officially announced Auqib Nabi as Jasprit Bumrah's replacement for India's tour of Sri Lanka 2026. Nabi gets his maiden call-up to the Indian Test side after grabbing the headlines through a string of breathtaking performances in the domestic circuit, including the Ranji Trophy. 

On Sunday, August 2, it was reported that Jasprit Bumrah would miss the India vs Sri Lanka Test series due to a persistent knee injury, which he sustained during the T20 World Cup 2026. 

BCCI confirms Auqib Nabi as Jasprit Bumrah's replacement for IND vs SL Tests

The BCCI acknowledged the development on August 3, confirming Bumrah's exit. The board also drafted Auqib Nabi into India's Test squad vs Sri Lanka as Jasprit Bumrah's replacement. 

"Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka as he has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England. The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as Bumrah's replacement," the BCCI said in a press release. 

Why has the BCCI named Auqib Nabi as Bumrah's replacement?

Auqib Nabi's stellar success in two successive editions of the Ranji Trophy and impressive performances in the recently concluded series between India-A and Sri Lanka-A led to his entry into the India Test squad vs Sri Lanka as Jasprit Bumrah's replacement. 

Playing for Jammu and Kashmir, Auqib Nabi bagged 44 wickets in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy and followed it up with 60 scalps in the subsequent edition of the famed red-ball competition. 

Apart from providing crucial breakthroughs, Auqib Nabi also contributed 318 runs, including two half-centuries across both editions of the Ranji Trophy. Thus, he was instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy title win in the 2025-26 season. 

While Gurnoor Brar emerged as the wrecker-in-chief with the ball for India-A, Nabi also showcased his skills on Sri Lankan soil, chipping in with six wickets. 

The BCCI, in its press release, revealed that Nabi's prolific returns in the Ranji Trophy and the India-A vs Sri Lanka-A series prompted the board to give him an opportunity to represent the Indian Test team in Sri Lanka. 

"The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team. Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches," the BCCI stated.

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What is Auqib Nabi's record in First-Class cricket?

(Auqib Nabi's First-Class record)

Overall, Auqib Nabi has played 43 First-Class matches for Jammu and Kashmir. He has scalped 162 wickets at a superb average of 18.63 and a strike rate of 38.5, showcasing his ability to excel in red-ball cricket. 

Nabi has also tallied 999 runs in First-Class cricket with the help of two half-centuries. This shows he can also contribute handy runs to the Indian total if he gets an entry into the playing XI. 

Auqib Nabi's perseverance pays off, SL tour a great chance to audition for New Zealand Tests

Auqib Nabi had been on the BCCI selection committee's radar following his incredible performance in back-to-back Ranji Trophy editions. The fast bowler had become a member of the India-A side while also serving as a net bowler for the Indian team during the one-off Test against Afghanistan. 

From doing the hard yards to earning his maiden call-up for India, Auqib Nabi has come a long way. His hard work and perseverance have paid off, and Nabi will certainly be looking forward to making the most of the opportunity in Sri Lanka. 

The absence of Harshit Rana in the India Test squad vs Sri Lanka has opened the doors for Auqib Nabi's selection in the playing XI. 

Whether he plays or not will be entirely subject to the conditions in Sri Lanka, which will influence the team combination. But if he gets into the first-choice XI, Nabi will leave no stone unturned in proving his mettle and presenting a strong case for his inclusion in the India squad for the New Zealand Tests, set to be played in November 2026. 

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Out, Danni Wyatt Injured And Abhishek Ton- August 2 Cricket Highlights