The Indian cricket team has been announced for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on July 28. While the squad features several prominent players, Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Aquib Nabi missed out despite his stellar performances during the domestic season. The selectors have retained the pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar, although Bumrah's participation remains subject to fitness clearance.
Aquib Nabi has been performing exceptionally well in Indian domestic cricket over the past two seasons and was also part of the India A squad for the Sri Lanka tour. Given his recent form in red-ball cricket, his exclusion from the senior team has surprised many. The squad selection was made keeping in mind the likely conditions in Sri Lanka, where spin bowling generally plays a more crucial role than fast bowling. Consequently, the selectors prioritized the spin attack and limited the number of specialist fast bowlers in the squad.
Why was Auqib Nabi left out of India’s squad for SL vs IND Tests?
The nature of Sri Lankan pitches which are highly conducive to spin bowling, especially in the latter stages of a Test match—could be the primary reason for not including Auqib Nabi in the squad. Consequently, India opted for a spin-heavy attack rather than relying on too many fast bowlers. With four fast bowlers already in the squad, the selectors had to reserve the remaining slots for spinners. Jasprit Bumrah's fitness is another crucial factor; while he has been named in the squad, he must report to the COE for final clearance. Should he fail the fitness test, the option to bring in Nabi remains open.
Auqib Nabi Cricket Career
Auqib Nabi's stellar performance in domestic cricket has raised hopes for his future selection to the Indian team. This fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir has played 43 first-class matches, claiming 162 wickets at an average of 18.63. His record includes the feat of taking five wickets in an innings 16 times and ten wickets in a match four times. He has also scored 999 runs, underscoring his value as a bowling all-rounder.
Auqib Nabi delivered an outstanding performance during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season; he emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker, claiming 60 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.5. He played a pivotal role in Jammu & Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy victory and was named 'Player of the Tournament'.
India's squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka?
Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain
Also Read: India Announce Test Squad for Sri Lanka Tour: Full Squad & Schedule
India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 schedule
Venue - Galle International Stadium TEST
IND
Venue - Sinhalese Sports Club TEST
IND
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