Who Is Auqib Nabi? Meet the J&K Fast Bowler Replacing Jasprit Bumrah in India’s Test Squad

Auqib Nabi’s rise to India’s Test squad is the culmination of years of perseverance, consistency and hard work.

After replacing the injured Jasprit Bumrah in India’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler now stands on the brink of history.

If he earns his debut, Nabi will become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play Test cricket for India.

From Baramulla to Team India

Hailing from Sheeri village near Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, the 29-year-old has steadily climbed through the domestic ranks without much fanfare.

His breakthrough came during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, where he spearheaded Jammu and Kashmir’s remarkable title-winning campaign.

Nabi finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 60 wickets, establishing himself as one of India’s premier red-ball fast bowlers.

His performances also earned him an IPL contract before the national selectors rewarded him with his maiden India call-up.

The Glenn McGrath moment that changed everything

Nabi’s cricket journey could have taken a very different path.

As a teenager preparing for his Class 12 board examinations, he received an invitation to attend a BCCI fast-bowling camp coached by Australian legend Glenn McGrath.

His father, a government school teacher, initially wanted him to focus on academics and medical entrance examinations instead of cricket.

It took Nabi’s first club captain, Zubair Dar, to convince the family that training under McGrath was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

His father eventually agreed, even arranging money for a flight to Chennai despite the financial strain-a decision that ultimately transformed Nabi’s career.

Learning with the Kookaburra ball

One of the biggest reasons behind Nabi’s selection is his recent adaptation to overseas conditions.

Ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, he spent time at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru working with fast-bowling coach P. Krishnakumar.

The sessions focused heavily on bowling with the Kookaburra ball, which behaves differently from the SG ball commonly used in Indian domestic cricket.

The work paid immediate dividends.

Representing India A in Sri Lanka earlier this year, Nabi overcame a wicketless opening spell before adjusting brilliantly to claim four wickets in Sri Lanka A’s first innings.

His familiarity with Galle conditions is expected to be a valuable asset if India calls upon him.

What makes Auqib Nabi special?

According to those who have coached him, Nabi’s biggest strength is his temperament.

Former Jammu and Kashmir bowling coach P. Krishnakumar believes the right-arm seamer rarely gets overawed by the occasion.

Having taken wickets consistently even on flat domestic surfaces, the coach feels Nabi possesses the patience and discipline required to succeed in Test cricket.

His ability to quickly adapt to unfamiliar conditions has also impressed the Indian management.

Auqib Nabi: A role model for Jammu and Kashmir

Nabi’s selection is being viewed as a landmark moment for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.

While Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik previously represented India in white-ball cricket, Nabi now has the opportunity to become the state’s first-ever Test cricketer.

His journey from playing local cricket in Baramulla to wearing India colours is already inspiring young cricketers across the region.

For many aspiring players in Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi’s rise is proof that consistent domestic performances can open the doors to the highest level of the game.

Sri Lanka tour could be historic

Although Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are expected to lead India’s pace attack, Nabi’s inclusion gives him a genuine opportunity to make his debut if conditions or injuries demand a change.

Should that moment arrive, the Baramulla pacer won’t just be making his India debut-he’ll be writing a new chapter in the cricketing history of Jammu and Kashmir.