Srinagar, Aug 02: Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi is on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up after premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a knee injury.
As per reports, Bumrah has not recovered sufficiently to return to international cricket and Nabi has been cleared as his replacement for the red-ball assignment.
If included in the squad, Nabi will become only the third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to receive a senior India call-up after Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik. While Rasool and Malik featured in the white-ball setup, Nabi’s selection would come for the Test format.
The young seamer has impressed consistently in domestic cricket, claiming over 100 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. He also played a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir’s strong performances in red-ball cricket and has contributed useful runs lower down the order.
Bumrah’s absence comes after persistent swelling in his knee delayed his return despite initial hopes that he would recover in time for at least part of the Sri Lanka series. The Sports Science team at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has reportedly advised against rushing the experienced pacer back, considering India’s demanding international schedule.
The 32-year-old had suffered the injury during the ODI series against England and has since been undergoing rehabilitation. Although he resumed training at the Centre of Excellence, he is understood to still be experiencing discomfort.
India are already dealing with multiple injury concerns ahead of the series, with Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar expected to miss at least the opening Test because of hamstring injuries. Meanwhile, batter B Sai Sudharsan continues his recovery from a foot injury, and a decision on his availability is expected in the coming days.
India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15, with the second Test to be played in Colombo from August 23.
