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Auqib Nabi Joins India's Test Squad

Jammu and Kashmir's fast bowler, Auqib Nabi, has earned his first call-up to the senior national cricket team, stepping in as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

Bumrah will miss the series due to an incomplete recovery from a left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England. The Men's Selection Committee has officially named Nabi as his substitute.

Highlights of Auqib Nabi's Career

The 27-year-old pacer has made a significant impact in domestic cricket, taking 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, with an impressive 60 wickets in the 2025-26 season alone. Nabi was instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir's first Ranji Trophy victory and recently represented India A in Sri Lanka, where he secured six wickets in two first-class matches.

In First-Class cricket, Auqib has participated in 43 matches and 71 innings, achieving 162 wickets at an average of 18.63 and a strike rate of 38.5. His record includes 16 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls.

Injury Challenges for the Indian Team

The Indian squad is currently facing multiple injury issues, with Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy out due to hamstring and quadriceps injuries, respectively. Washington Sundar will also miss the first Test due to a hamstring injury, while Akash Deep is still recovering from stress reactions in his back.

Test Series Schedule: India vs Sri Lanka

The first Test match between India and Sri Lanka is set to take place at the Galle International Stadium starting August 15, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on August 23. Both matches will commence at 10:00 AM IST.

Context of the World Test Championship

This series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Currently, India, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, ranks fifth in the standings, having achieved four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.

India's Updated Test Squad

The revised Indian squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka includes: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, and Auqib Nabi. *Subject to fitness clearance.