India’s hopes of keeping their World Test Championship campaign on track have suffered a major setback after Jasprit Bumrah failed to recover from a left knee injury in time for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the fast bowler has not received fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence, prompting selectors to draft in Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for his maiden senior call-up.
The injury forced another change to India’s preparations for a series that carries significant importance in the race for the World Test Championship final. Shubman Gill’s side currently sit fifth in the standings and need a strong result in Sri Lanka to remain in contention.
When the selectors announced the squad last week, both Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan remained subject to medical clearance. While Bumrah has not met the required fitness standards after suffering the injury during the ODI series against England, Sudharsan has progressed well in his rehabilitation and is expected to join the squad before it departs for Sri Lanka on August 4.
For Nabi, the call-up completes a remarkable rise built on consistent domestic performances. The right-arm seamer has claimed 104 wickets across the past two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 during the 2025-26 campaign as Jammu and Kashmir secured their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
The 26-year-old also strengthened his case on the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka. He collected six wickets in two first-class matches, showing he could adapt quickly to the conditions India will encounter during the Test series.
Nabi’s first senior selection now offers him the opportunity to transfer that domestic success onto the international stage as India look to overcome Bumrah’s absence.
The opening Test begins at the Galle International Stadium on August 15 before the second match starts at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on August 23. Both matches form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with India needing victories to keep their qualification hopes alive.
