DC Star pacer all set to replace injured Jasprit Bumrah for SL vs IND Tests; Know here
Jasprit Bumrah is ranked no. 1 in the Test bowling rankings.
The Indian Cricket Team are all set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match test series. Shubman Gill will lead the visitors for this important tour. The first test is scheduled to start on August 15 (Sunday) at Galle International Stadium.
But before that, India will also play a three-day warmup game in Colombo starting on August 7. This series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. India are currently placed fifth on the WTC table with 48.15 PCT, followed by Sri Lanka with 41.67 PCT.
India lost the last series against South Africa and will be looking to bounce back. But they suffered a big setback ahead of the series. Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, as per reports, has been ruled out of the SL vs IND series.
Bumrah has been India’s strike bowler across formats, and his unavailability will be a big loss for Team India. The pacer is feeling discomfort in his left knee, and the management is not keen to take any risk.
Auqib Nabi likely to replace injured Jasprit Bumrah for Sri Lanka Tests
In the absence of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj will be India’s leading pacer. Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar are two other pace-bowling options, who don’t have much experience. So, it can be tough for India in this department.
A new name has come into the mix, and reports in Times of India have confirm that Jammu and Kashmir pacer Aquib Nabi is all set to join Team India as Bumrah’s replacement. The 29-year-old has been in the plans for India for a while now.
He played a crucial role in Ranji 2025-26, picking up 60 wickets. His breakthrough season helped J & K win their first Ranji title. That helped him get his first IPL call for Delhi Capitals in 2026 for INR 8.40 crore.
Nabi has been the pick of the bowlers in the last two Ranji seasons, picking up 104 wickets. He also represented India A for two unofficial tests against Sri Lanka A and took six wickets. Many expected him to get a chance in the 15-member squad.
But he might get his due as Bumrah’s replacement. Nabi is known for taking wickets with the new ball with a settled line and length, while he also bowls well with the old ball. Notably, Nabi is also a pretty decent batter lower down the order. That can add to the balance of the team if he gets a chance.
When will the first SL vs IND test begin?
The first test between Sri Lanka and India will begin on August 15 at Galle International Stadium.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.