Who Is Auqib Nabi? All About Jammu And Kashmir Pacer Replacing Jasprit Bumrah For Sri Lanka Test Series

India have suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka after fast bowling sensation Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to the left knee injury he sustained during the ODI series against England.

With one of their most experienced pacers unavailable, the BCCI has handed a maiden senior India call-up to Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi.

The 29-year-old seamer has been rewarded for his outstanding performances in domestic cricket over the last two seasons.

After consistently knocking on the selectors' door with remarkable wicket-taking numbers, Nabi finally gets his long-awaited opportunity at the highest level and could become one of the few cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India in Test cricket.

ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out Of Sri Lanka Test Series; BCCI Announces Aqib Nabi As Replacement

Who Is Auqib Nabi?

Auqib Nabi has emerged as one of the most consistent fast bowlers in Indian domestic cricket. The right-arm pacer earned his maiden India call-up after replacing the injured Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the Sri Lanka Test series.

His selection comes after two exceptional Ranji Trophy campaigns in which he picked up more than 100 wickets. Despite his consistent performances, Nabi was overlooked on several occasions before finally receiving the national call-up.

The pacer further strengthened his chances during India A's recent tour of Sri Lanka. Playing in two four-day matches in Galle, Nabi claimed six wickets, including a brilliant four-wicket haul, showcasing his ability to perform in subcontinental conditions.

How Did Auqib Nabi Earn His Maiden India Call-Up?

Nabi's selection is the result of years of consistency and hard work in domestic cricket. His biggest breakthrough came during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, where he finished as the tournament's highest wicket-taker.

He claimed an astonishing 60 wickets in just 17 innings at an incredible average of 12.65, playing a pivotal role in guiding Jammu and Kashmir to their historic maiden Ranji Trophy title. His match-winning performances earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.

His domestic performances were rewarded in the IPL 2026 auction, where Delhi Capitals secured his services for INR 8.40 crore, further highlighting his growing reputation as one of India's brightest pace prospects.

ALSO READ: Massive Blow For India As Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out Of Sri Lanka Test Series

Auqib Nabi's Major Records And Achievements

• Finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy with 60 wickets in 17 innings at an average of 12.65.
• Guided Jammu and Kashmir to their maiden Ranji Trophy title and won the Player of the Tournament award.
• Became the first player in Duleep Trophy history to take a double hat-trick (four wickets in four consecutive balls).
• Earned an IPL contract worth INR 8.40 crore with Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2026 season.
• Picked up six wickets for India A during the recent tour of Sri Lanka.
• Has claimed more than 150 first-class wickets in over 40 matches at an average below 19, including multiple five-wicket and ten-wicket match hauls.

India's Test Squad For Sri Lanka Series

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.