India has suffered a major setback ahead of its two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with World No. 1 Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah set to miss the tour. The series begins on August 15 in Galle but Bumrah is still recovering from discomfort in his left knee, according to a report in a leading publication.
The report stated that the BCCI is not willing to rush Jasprit Bumrah’s return and has instead advised the star fast bowler to focus on making a complete recovery before returning to international cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah last represented India in a Test match in November 2025 against South Africa in Guwahati. His absence is expected to be a significant blow for the Indian team as it prepares for the challenging conditions in Sri Lanka.
The BCCI selectors are expected to announce a replacement soon, with Delhi Capitals fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar emerging as the leading candidate to take Jasprit Bumrah’s place in the squad. Auqib Nabi was also in contention for his maiden India Test call-up during the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June 2026 but he was surprisingly left out by the senior men’s selection committee. The decision attracted criticism, especially since the pacer had claimed more than 50 wickets in back-to-back Ranji Trophy seasons.
Although he is yet to make his international debut, Auqib Nabi has built an impressive reputation in domestic cricket. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy and played a crucial role in helping Jammu and Kashmir win their first-ever Ranji Trophy title.
The 29-year-old pacer from Baramulla has taken 162 wickets in 43 first-class matches, highlighting his consistency in the longer format. He also travelled to Sri Lanka with the India A team last month and featured in both first-class matches against Sri Lanka A in Galle.
Across four innings in the two matches, Auqib Nabi picked up six wickets, including an impressive spell of 4/58 in the first innings of the opening game. His recent performances in familiar conditions have strengthened his case to earn a long-awaited maiden Test call-up if Jasprit Bumrah is officially ruled out of the Sri Lanka series.
