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Tezzbuzz Desk – A major change has occurred in the Indian cricket team ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the two-Test series due to injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now announced his replacement. Fast bowler Aaqib Nabi, who has performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket, has been included in the Indian team in place of Bumrah. Nabi received this good news just before the team’s departure for Sri Lanka.

The Indian team is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15th. Bumrah was included in the squad when the team was announced, but his participation was subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE). Now, due to his fitness, the board has decided to exclude him from the tour.

Aaqib Nabi gets a chance in place of Bumrah

In an update released by the BCCI, Aaqib Nabi has been included in the Indian squad as Bumrah’s replacement. Nabi has successfully secured a place in the senior Indian team’s main squad for the first time.

Aaqib Nabi has consistently impressed with his bowling in domestic cricket. He has now been rewarded for this performance with a place in Team India. The news of his selection just before the team’s departure is considered the biggest opportunity of his career so far.

Why was Jasprit Bumrah out?

Jasprit Bumrah was part of the Indian team during the England tour. He suffered a knee injury during the tour. It is being reported that he has not yet fully recovered. When announcing the squad for the Sri Lanka series, the selectors hoped that Bumrah would be fit in time. Therefore, he was included in the squad, but his availability was subject to approval from the CoE.

Now, given his fitness, the Indian team management is reluctant to take any risks. Therefore, he has been excluded from the Sri Lanka tour and Aqib Nabi has been included in the squad.

Aaqib Nabi’s impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy

Aaqib Nabi’s journey to Team India has been largely based on his impressive performances in domestic cricket. His bowling has been impressive in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. Nabi has taken a total of 104 wickets in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. The 2025-26 season was particularly memorable for him, as he took 60 wickets in just 10 matches.

His consistent wicket-taking ability in domestic cricket caught the attention of the selectors. He was previously included in the Indian team as a backup player during the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Now, for the first time, he has been given a chance in the senior team’s main squad.

There is also experience of playing in Sri Lanka

Another important factor in Aaqib Nabi’s favor is his familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions. He recently toured Sri Lanka with India A, where he played two first-class matches and took a total of six wickets. This experience with Sri Lankan pitches and conditions could benefit him in the Test series.

Nabi was sold for ₹8.4 crore in the IPL.

Aaqib Nabi was also in the news during the IPL 2026 auction. Delhi Capitals signed him for a whopping ₹8.4 crore. He played five matches in IPL 2026, but failed to take a wicket. Despite this, his consistent performances in domestic cricket paved the way for a call-up to Team India.

Now, joining the Indian team in place of an experienced bowler like Jasprit Bumrah is a golden opportunity for Aaqib Nabi to prove himself at the international level along with a big responsibility.