Atiya Mujeeb
JAMMU, AUGUST 3: Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has received his maiden call-up to India’s senior Test squad after being named as the replacement for injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 15.
Bumrah was ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series after sustaining a left knee injury while fielding during the second ODI against England in Cardiff. Despite undergoing an extensive rehabilitation programme at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the premier fast bowler failed to regain full fitness. Following the recommendation of the BCCI’s medical team, he was withdrawn from the squad to avoid aggravating the injury, paving the way for Auqib Nabi’s maiden call-up to India’s senior Test side.
Nabi’s selection comes on the back of exceptional domestic performances. Over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, the right-arm pacer has claimed more than 100 wickets, emerging as one of the country’s most consistent red-ball bowlers. He also played a vital role in Jammu and Kashmir’s impressive Ranji Trophy campaign with his regular wicket-taking spells and valuable lower-order batting contributions.
His consistent performances in domestic cricket had already put him on the selectors’ radar, and Bumrah’s absence has now opened the door for his first senior international assignment.
With this selection, Auqib Nabi becomes only the third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a place in India’s senior men’s team, following Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik. He is also the first player from the Union Territory to receive his maiden call-up directly to India’s Test squad.
