Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar has taken another significant step in his cricketing journey after receiving his maiden India Test call-up. The 29-year-old right-arm fast bowler was drafted into India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah. After travelling with the squad to Sri Lanka on August 4, Nabi attended his first training session with the Indian team on Wednesday, marking a memorable milestone in his career.
Following his first practice session, the fast bowler shared his excitement on Instagram Stories by reposting a BCCI video of himself bowling in the nets. The gesture reflected the pride and emotion of a cricketer who has finally earned an opportunity at the highest level after years of consistent domestic performances.
Nabi’s selection comes on the back of an outstanding 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign, where he claimed 60 wickets and played a pivotal role in helping Jammu and Kashmir lift their maiden Ranji Trophy title. His performances had already placed him on the selectors’ radar, and he was widely expected to earn a call-up for India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in June.
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However, he missed out on that occasion and was also overlooked when the original squad for the Sri Lanka series was announced on July 28. The opportunity eventually arrived after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England. The selectors turned to Nabi, rewarding his consistency in domestic cricket with a long-awaited place in the national squad.
All the best, Auqib Nabi. Keep living the dream. pic.twitter.com/dTmD4oYWif
— Khalid Baig (@KhalidBaig85) August 4, 2026
Whether Nabi makes his Test debut in Sri Lanka remains to be seen. Mohammed Siraj is expected to spearhead India’s pace attack in the opening Test, while Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Nabi are competing for the second seamer’s slot. Prasidh appears to have the edge due to his international experience, but strong performances in the ongoing three-day practice match could influence the team management’s final decision.
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Nabi is no stranger to Sri Lankan conditions either. Earlier this year, he toured the island with the India A side and impressed in the unofficial Tests, including a four-wicket haul in the first innings of the opening match in Galle. Those performances, coupled with his domestic success, have strengthened his case as he waits for a potential Test debut in Indian colours.
