Auqib Nabi replaces injured Jasprit Bumrah in India Test squad for Sri Lanka
Auqib Nabi has been called up to replace Jasprit Bumrah, who has not recovered from a knee injury in time for the Sri Lanka Tests.
Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka after failing to recover fully from a left knee injury. The BCCI medical team at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru advised against rushing the seamer back into international cricket. Bumrah sustained the injury during the ODI series against England last month and received an injection as part of his long-term management plan.
Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been named as Bumrah's replacement and earns his first call-up to the senior Test squad. The 29-year-old took 104 wickets in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 this year, and helped Jammu and Kashmir win their maiden title. He also claimed six wickets in two first-class matches during India A's recent tour of Sri Lanka.
India open the series in Galle on August 15, with the second Test scheduled for Colombo from August 23. The squad will play a three-day practice match in Colombo starting August 7. Auqib Nabi joins Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar in the pace attack.
CricHubb Take
The decision shows the BCCI is prioritising Bumrah's long-term availability over short-term series results, especially with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming early next year.