From borrowing spikes to India call-up: Auqib Nabi replaces Bumrah in Test squad
Auqib Nabi, a swing bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, has been named as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah in India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. This marks the first time a cricketer from J&K has been selected for the Indian Test team.
Why it matters
Nabi's selection is a milestone for cricket development in Jammu and Kashmir and highlights the importance of domestic performance in national team selection.
MUMBAI: Jammu and Kashmir swing bowler Auqib Nabi was finally rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket on Monday, being named the replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah in India’s Test squad for the two-match series in Sri Lanka.The 29-year-old has earned his maiden India call-up and if he makes his Test debut, will become the first cricketer from J&K to play a Test match for India.It marks a remarkable rise for the Baramulla seamer, who did not even own a pair of bowling spikes when he attended his first under-19 trials and had to borrow them from a friend.Nabi has taken a staggering 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 at an astonishing average of 12.56 in the 2025-26 campaign, when he played a pivotal role in J&K’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
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