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India Suffer Major Setback Before Sri Lanka Tests: Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out, J&K Speedster Gets Dream Call-Up
India will be without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the Test series against Sri Lanka, as the selectors hand a maiden senior team call-up to Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi following his outstanding domestic performances.
The India national cricket team has suffered a significant setback ahead of its upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out due to injury.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Bumrah has not fully recovered from the left knee injury he sustained during India’s recent ODI series against England. As a result, the star pacer will miss the important Test assignment in Sri Lanka.
Auqib Nabi Earns Maiden India Call-Up
Replacing Bumrah in the squad is promising Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who has received his first-ever call-up to India’s senior men’s team.
The selection marks a major milestone in Nabi’s rapidly rising career. The right-arm pacer has been one of the standout performers in domestic cricket over the past two seasons, picking up an impressive 104 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, including 60 wickets during the 2025–26 season.
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His consistent performances played a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy title, making him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in Indian cricket.
Nabi also impressed during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches, strengthening his case for national selection.
Big Responsibility for India’s Pace Attack
Bumrah’s absence leaves a major void in India’s bowling attack, especially in overseas Test cricket where his experience and ability to deliver breakthroughs have often made the difference.
With India’s pace spearhead unavailable, greater responsibility will now fall on experienced fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, while Nabi could get an opportunity to make his international debut if included in the playing XI.
Shubman Gill to Lead India
The Indian side will continue under the leadership of Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain.
The batting lineup also features Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal, while the spin department will be led by experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar.
India’s Updated Squad for Sri Lanka Tests
- 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
- Auqib Nabi
As India prepares for another crucial overseas Test challenge, all eyes will now be on the young Jammu and Kashmir pacer, who has earned a golden opportunity to announce himself on the biggest stage.
