Uncapped Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi replaces the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the two-Test World Test Championship series.
India have suffered a major setback ahead of their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a left knee injury, prompting the selectors to hand uncapped fast bowler Auqib Nabi his maiden international call-up.
The two-Test series, which forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle.
Bumrah’s recovery delayed
The 31-year-old has been carefully managing the left knee injury he sustained during India’s ODI series against England. After returning to international cricket following a lengthy rehabilitation period, Bumrah featured in only two matches before experiencing fresh discomfort, forcing him to miss the final ODI.
Although he was initially named in India’s squad for the Sri Lanka tour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to risk the premier fast bowler until he has fully recovered.
In a statement issued on Monday, the BCCI said:
“Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka as he has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.”
Auqib Nabi receives first India call-up
Replacing Bumrah is 24-year-old Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who has earned his maiden senior India call-up after an outstanding run in domestic cricket.
Nabi has emerged as one of India’s most promising fast bowlers, claiming 104 wickets across the past two Ranji Trophy seasons. He took 60 wickets during the 2025–26 campaign and played a pivotal role in guiding Jammu and Kashmir to their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
The right-arm pacer also impressed for India A during their recent tour of Sri Lanka, picking up six wickets in two first-class matches, performances that strengthened his case for national selection.
Injury concerns deepen for India
Bumrah’s absence adds to India’s growing injury concerns ahead of the important World Test Championship fixtures.
The visitors are already without several key players:
• Harshit Rana (hamstring)
• Nitish Kumar Reddy (quadriceps)
• Washington Sundar (hamstring)
Meanwhile, batter Sai Sudharsan remains doubtful for the opening Test as he continues his recovery from a toe injury.
Valuable WTC points on offer
The series carries significant importance in the race for qualification for the ICC World Test Championship Final, which is scheduled to be played at The Oval next year.
India currently occupy fifth place in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 48.15 after drawing their away series against England 2-2, sweeping the West Indies 2-0 at home and suffering a 2-0 defeat against defending champions South Africa.
Sri Lanka sit sixth with a points percentage of 41.67, having beaten Bangladesh 1-0 at home before losing 1-0 away to the West Indies.
India squad
India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Test series comprises:
• Shubman Gill (captain)
• KL Rahul (vice-captain)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Rishabh Pant
• Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness)
• Dhruv Jurel
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Manav Suthar
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Gurnoor Brar
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Saransh Jain
• Auqib Nabi
Series schedule
• First Test: August 15–19, Galle
• Second Test: August 23–27, Colombo