From borrowing spikes to India call-up: Auqib Nabi replaces injured Jasprit Bumrah in Test squad for Sri Lanka

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. He also impressed on the recent India ‘A’ tour of Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets in two fourday matches, including figures of 4-58 in the first innings of the opening game.Named player of the tournament in the Ranji Trophy, Nabi registered seven five-wicket hauls last season. His standout performances included 5-54 in the final against Karnataka, match figures of 9-123 in the semifinal against Bengal and 12-110 in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh.Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan believes Nabi has thoroughly earned his opportunity.“It’s not just about last season. Nabi has been performing consistently for a while now and I’m confident he’ll do well if he gets an opportunity. Sri Lanka usually offers seamers a bit of assistance, especially in humid conditions,” Pathan told TOI.

Pathan also welcomed the selectors rewarding domestic performers such as Nabi and Madhya Pradesh off-spinning allrounder Saransh Jain. “It’s recognition for domestic cricket. Test cricket should reward consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy,” he said.Having mentored J& K during his coaching stint, Pathan explained what makes Nabi so effective.“His action is compact and repeatable, allowing him to hit the seam consistently,” Pathan said. “His biggest strength is his seam position. Because it’s so upright, the ball moves late after pitching and forces batters to play. That’s why he has troubled even top domestic batters.”Pathan also believes Nabi’s experience of bowling long spells in first-class cricket will ease his transition to Test cricket. “He bowls long spells regularly, so his body is used to that workload. That’s a big advantage. Now it’s about making the most of the opportunity.” To those questioning Nabi’s pace, Pathan offered a blunt response. “How much pace do you want? If you’re dismissing batters while bowling in the 130s by making them play defensively, you’re doing something right. Control and late movement are what matter.”Former India allrounder Parvez Rasool, the first cricketer from J& K to represent India in international cricket, congratulated Nabi on social media. “What is meant for you will find you. No amount of rejection or ignorance can change your destiny. Heartiest congratulations, Auqib Nabi, on your well-deserved selection to the Indian Test squad.”