Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah’s injury-enforced absence from the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka could turn into a career-defining opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi. The former cricketer feels Nabi has done enough in domestic cricket to earn an immediate place in India’s playing XI and should be the first-choice replacement for the premier fast bowler. India will begin its two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle on August 15.

While Bumrah was initially included in the 15-member squad subject to fitness clearance, the BCCI later ruled him out after his persistent knee issue resurfaced. His absence leaves a significant void in India’s pace attack and opens the door for another seamer to make an impact. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra strongly backed Auqib Nabi, citing the pacer’s remarkable consistency in red-ball cricket over the last two domestic seasons.

“Auqib Nabi should be at the top of the list. He has taken more than 100 first-class wickets in the last two years, including 60 wickets last season. He missed out earlier, but this could be a godsent opportunity. Forget the IPL because this is a red-ball tour, and he has consistently delivered with the red ball. He should be an automatic choice,” Aakash Chopra said.

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Nabi’s domestic numbers certainly strengthen his case. The 29-year-old has claimed 162 wickets in 43 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 18.63, establishing himself as one of India’s most dependable red-ball bowlers.

Aakash Chopra also named Anshul Kamboj as another strong contender for the vacant spot. The Haryana pacer made his Test debut during the England tour and has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket. “When I think about a second name, I remember Anshul Kamboj. He has played only one Test, but his first-class numbers are excellent. He has form, rhythm, and wickets behind him. My order would be Auqib Nabi first and Anshul Kamboj second,” Chopra explained.

Kamboj has picked up 105 wickets in 34 first-class matches at an average of 24.04, making him another promising option for India’s pace attack. However, Chopra expressed concern over India’s shrinking pool of quality fast bowlers in domestic cricket. After studying the Ranji Trophy statistics from the past five seasons, he pointed out that very few seamers have consistently featured among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.

According to Chopra, only Auqib Nabi and Mohammed Shami have maintained elite red-ball performances in recent seasons. While Shami remains an experienced option, Chopra questioned whether other names such as Shardul Thakur or Manisankar Murasingh are genuine contenders for a long-term Test role. He also referenced bowlers including Gaurav Yadav, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Deepak Dhapola, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Ravi Teja, and Baltej Singh, noting that only a handful have produced sustained success in first-class cricket.

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The former India batter warned that India’s red-ball bowling reserves have become increasingly thin. He believes the shortage extends beyond fast bowling, with the country also lacking a strong pipeline of specialist spinners. As India prepares for an important World Test Championship cycle, Chopra stressed that identifying and backing consistent domestic performers like Auqib Nabi is essential to securing the team’s long-term success.