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Jasprit Bumrah and Auqib Nabi (Source: AFP)
India made a significant change to their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The BCCI named Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement.
On August 3, the BCCI officially announced that Nabi will replace Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the two-match series due to a knee injury.
The Indian team will tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle 2025-27. Before the Test matches, India will play a three-day warm-up match from August 7 to 9 at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo.
The first Test will be held at the Galle International Stadium from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Auqib Nabi replaces Jasprit Bumrah in IND vs SL Test series
Finally, the wait for Auqib Nabi is over, as he has received his maiden India call-up after Jasprit Bumrah failed to recover from a left knee injury.
It is important to note that Bumrah's injury aggravated during fielding in the ODI series against England. Despite undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the swelling did not reduce, and unfortunately the ace pacer was ruled out of the IND vs SL Test series.
With Bumrah unavailable, the selectors have turned to Nabi, who has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket over the past two seasons.
The 29-year-old had previously travelled with the Indian squad as a backup player for the one-off Test against Afghanistan but did not make the final 15-member squad.
Fans Reacted To Auqib Nabi's inclusion in India's Test squad vs SL
Soon after the BCCI announced Nabi’s inclusion in the squad, social media was flooded with heartfelt reactions from Indian cricket fans.
One fan praised the pacer and wrote - "Huge for Auqib Nabi and J&K cricket! Maiden Test call-up after those monster Ranji numbers (60 wickets last season alone) – fully deserved. All the best in Sri Lanka."
Another fan posted - "From the cricket fields of Jammu & Kashmir to the biggest stage in world cricket—what an incredible journey. 🇮🇳🏏 Congratulations to Auqib Nabi on earning his maiden India Test call-up. Your dedication and perseverance have turned a dream into reality. Wishing you every success as you wear the Indian jersey with pride and inspire countless young cricketers back home. The best is yet to come. 💙"
Also Read- “Making Selectors Sweat”: India Fans Hail Auqib Nabi Spell Vs SL A On ‘Dead Wicket’
In this article, we take a look at several other reactions on Auqib Nabi’s maiden call-up to the Indian Test team.
"Huge for Auqib Nabi and J&K cricket! Maiden Test call-up after those monster Ranji numbers (60 wickets last season alone) – fully deserved. All the best in Sri Lanka" - @PAPA_JI_4141
"From Jammu & Kashmir to Indian Test squad 🇮🇳🤍 The 29-year-old Auqib Nabi has been named in India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series, replacing the injured Jasprit Bumrah. His hardwork has earned him a place in the Indian Test setup. Well deserved. 👏 Congrats, Auqib! 🙌" - @Saabir_Saabu01
"Hard work pays off. Congratulations to Auqib Nabi on earning his maiden Test call-up. Thoroughly well deserved" -@bhaleraosarang
Did Auqib Nabi deserve a place in India’s Test squad?
Looking at his recent performances, Nabi’s selection appears to be well earned. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler has been among the best performers in Indian domestic cricket over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons.
He claimed 104 wickets across the last two seasons, including 60 wickets during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign. He finished the tournament as the highest wicket-taker, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 2.65 in 17 innings.
Apart from his bowling, Nabi also contributed with the bat, scoring 245 runs in 12 innings at an average of 22.27 and a strike rate of 74.02.
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