Auqib Nabi, a 29-year-old swing bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, has been named as the replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah in India's Test squad for the two-match series in Sri Lanka.
Nabi has earned his maiden India call-up after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket. He has taken 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 at an average of 12.56 in the 2025-26 campaign.
Nabi's standout performances have included seven five-wicket hauls last season, with match figures of 9-123 in the semifinal against Bengal and 12-110 in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh.
Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan believes Nabi has thoroughly earned his opportunity. "It's not just about last season. Nabi has been performing consistently for a while now and I'm confident he'll do well if he gets an opportunity," Pathan said.
Pathan also welcomed the selectors rewarding domestic performers like Nabi and Madhya Pradesh off-spinning allrounder Saransh Jain. "It's recognition for domestic cricket. Test cricket should reward consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy," he said.
Nabi's experience of bowling long spells in first-class cricket will ease his transition to Test cricket, according to Pathan. "He bowls long spells regularly, so his body is used to that workload. That's a big advantage," he said.
Former India allrounder Parvez Rasool, the first cricketer from J& K to represent India in international cricket, congratulated Nabi on social media. "What is meant for you will find you. No amount of rejection or ignorance can change your destiny. Heartiest congratulations, Auqib Nabi, on your well-deserved selection to the Indian Test squad."
Nabi will become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play a Test match for India if he makes his debut in the upcoming series. The 29-year-old has impressed on the recent India 'A' tour of Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets in two fourday matches.
Nabi's maiden India call-up is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. His compact and repeatable action, as well as his seam position, have allowed him to trouble even top domestic batters.
The India Test squad for the two-match series in Sri Lanka is expected to be announced soon. Nabi will join the team for the series, which is scheduled to take place later this month.
Source: Yahoo Sports