The right-arm medium-fast bowler has earned his maiden call-up to the senior Indian Test squad after replacing injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

Nabi's selection comes after a remarkable domestic season where he played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy triumph. The pacer finished as one of the standout performers, claiming 60 wickets during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. His consistent performances have earned him recognition at the highest level, making him one of the few cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir to receive a senior India call-up.

Who is Auqib Nabi?

Auqib Nabi is an Indian professional cricketer from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, who specializes as a right-arm medium-fast swing bowler. Known for his ability to generate movement and trouble batters with his accuracy, Nabi has emerged as one of the most promising pace bowlers in Indian domestic cricket.

The Jammu and Kashmir pacer has impressed selectors with his consistent wicket-taking ability in first-class cricket. His recent performances helped him make a strong case for national selection.

How did Auqib Nabi earn his India Test call-up?

Nabi received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, who was unavailable due to injury concerns. His selection was largely based on his outstanding domestic record and his ability to deliver in challenging conditions.

Across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, Nabi has taken 104 wickets, showcasing his remarkable consistency. In the 2025-26 season alone, he picked up 60 wickets and played a crucial role in helping Jammu and Kashmir secure their maiden Ranji Trophy title.

Auqib Nabi's domestic cricket achievements

The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season turned out to be a breakthrough year for Nabi. He emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament and became the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's bowling attack.

His performances were instrumental in J&K's historic title-winning campaign, marking a significant milestone in the state's cricket history. His ability to pick wickets regularly with the new ball and in longer spells made him a standout performer.

Auqib Nabi's India A experience

Before earning his senior India call-up, Nabi was part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka. The opportunity gave him valuable exposure against international-level opponents.

During the tour, Nabi impressed by taking six wickets in two first-class matches, further strengthening his case for selection in the Indian Test setup.

Auqib Nabi's IPL journey

Nabi's performances also attracted attention in the Indian Premier League auction. He was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore ahead of the 2026 IPL season.

The IPL opportunity provides Nabi with another platform to compete alongside and against some of the biggest names in world cricket.

India's updated Test squad for Sri Lanka series

India's updated squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka includes:

Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.

What makes Auqib Nabi special?

Nabi's biggest strength is his ability to swing the ball while maintaining accuracy over long spells. His success in red-ball cricket highlights his patience, discipline and skill as a first-class bowler.

With India constantly searching for quality pace options, Nabi's inclusion provides him with a golden opportunity to prove himself at the international level. If selected in the playing XI, the Jammu and Kashmir pacer could become the latest domestic star to make a mark for India.