Why was Auqib Nabi picked ahead of Mohammed Shami for Sri Lanka Tests?

Auqib Nabi earned his maiden India call-up as replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah after taking 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at an average of 12.56. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer also claimed 104 wickets across the last two domestic seasons and took six wickets during India A's recent first-class tour of Sri Lanka.

Mohammed Shami took 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches at 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls and career-best figures of 8 for 90. He added 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 15 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, finishing with 69 wickets across 22 matches in the 2025-26 domestic season.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has previously stated that Shami's exclusion relates to his ability to withstand longer-format workloads rather than current form. The communication gap between the Centre of Excellence and selectors has also come under scrutiny after Bumrah was initially expected to be available for at least one Test.