Aaqib Nabi
India have named Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Aaqib Nabi Dar as the replacement for injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. The selection marks a historic milestone as Aaqib becomes the first cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to earn a call-up to India’s Test team.
Aaqib Nabi’s selection comes after two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons in which he claimed an impressive 104 wickets. His consistent performances with the new ball and his ability to extract movement and bounce impressed the national selectors.
The right-arm pacer has emerged as one of the most consistent fast bowlers in India’s domestic circuit. His ability to bowl long spells with discipline and accuracy has made him a standout performer in red-ball cricket.
Selectors believe his performances have earned him the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
Apart from his bowling, Aaqib Nabi has established himself as a dependable lower-order batter. On several occasions, he has rescued his team with valuable runs under pressure.
Modern Test cricket increasingly values players who can contribute in multiple departments, and Aaqib’s all-round ability gives India additional depth.
His height, pace, and ability to generate bounce could prove useful in overseas conditions, making him an exciting prospect for India’s future pace attack.
Jasprit Bumrah’s injury has forced the Indian team management to look for alternatives ahead of the Sri Lanka series. While replacing a world-class bowler like Bumrah is never easy, Aaqib Nabi now has a golden opportunity to establish himself in international cricket.
The Sri Lanka tour could become a defining moment in the young pacer’s career. A strong performance may help him cement a place in India’s Test setup for future assignments.
His selection has also been celebrated across Jammu & Kashmir, where aspiring cricketers see it as a landmark achievement for the region.
With India’s pace attack entering a phase of transition, Aaqib Nabi now carries both responsibility and opportunity. Cricket fans will be eager to see whether the domestic star can translate his Ranji Trophy success onto the international stage.
© Copyright 2026, cloudTV. All Rights Reserved
