2 weeks ago
Nabi, Jain Earn Maiden India Test Call-Ups vs Sri Lanka
Auqib Nabi is a fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir who can also bat.
He played very well in the Ranji Trophy, India's big domestic cricket competition.
Last season, he took 60 wickets, more than anyone else.
He also helped his team win the Ranji Trophy for the very first time.
Even though he hoped to be picked for India, he kept his focus on taking wickets and performing.
His chance came when India needed a replacement for the injured fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Nabi found out at the airport, right before he was going to fly to a training camp.
Another player, Saransh Jain from Madhya Pradesh, got similar news while driving to a temple.
Both will now play in a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting on August 15.
Nabi says sharing a dressing room with players he used to watch on television is a big deal for him.
Auqib Nabi and Saransh Jain earned maiden India Test call-ups as replacements for injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Nabi took 60 wickets last Ranji Trophy season, finishing as the competition's highest wicket-taker, and 104 wickets across two seasons.
His performances helped Jammu and Kashmir win their historic maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2025-26.
Nabi learned of his selection at the airport while about to board a flight to Bengaluru for a camp; Jain got the news while driving to a temple.
India begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium on August 15.
- Who
- Auqib Nabi, a 29-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder from Jammu and Kashmir, and Saransh Jain, a 33-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh.
- What
- Both played key roles in Ranji Trophy-winning teams and earned their maiden India Test call-ups as replacements for injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
- Where
- Galle International Stadium in Sri Lanka, venue of the series; Nabi was at an airport en route to Bengaluru when he received the call.
- When
- The call-ups came ahead of the two-match Test series, which begins on August 15; Nabi got the news at the airport just before his flight to a camp.
- Why
- In recognition of consistent domestic performances: Nabi took 60 wickets last Ranji Trophy season and 104 across two seasons, helping Jammu and Kashmir win their maiden title.
Key facts
- Players called up
- Auqib Nabi and Saransh Jain
- Nabi age
- 29
- Jain age
- 33
- Ranji Trophy wickets (last season)
- 60 - highest wicket-taker
- Ranji Trophy wickets (two seasons)
- 104
- Selection reason
- Injury replacement for Jasprit Bumrah
- Nabi's IPL team
- Delhi Capitals (five matches in IPL 2026)
- Series
- Two-match India vs Sri Lanka Test series, Galle, from August 15
Quotes
Auqib Nabi
Jammu and Kashmir pacer who earned his maiden India Test call-up
“"I was at the airport; we had to go to a camp. The flight was going to board in Bangalore, so I got a call asking where I was. I said, ‘Sir, I am going to Bangalore, I am at the airport.’ He said, ‘No, you don’t have to go there, you have to come to Sri Lanka, and you have been selected.’ At first, I couldn’t believe it; it was unexpected."”
thehansindia.com
“"I was at the airport. We had to go to a camp in CoE and I was about to board a flight to Bangalore. I got a call asking where I was. I told them that I was going to Bangalore and I was at the airport. They told me that I didn't have to go there; I had to come to Sri Lanka and that I was selected."”
rediff.com
Sources
Related news
Auqib Nabi: 'Couldn't believe' maiden India call-up for Sri Lanka
Auqib Nabi Joins Surrey Ahead of India’s New Zealand Tests
India Call Up Four Young Spinners for Sri Lanka Tests
Sarfaraz Khan's Father's Motivational Shayari Ahead of India Return
Galle Blends Indian Ocean Beaches With Old-World Sri Lankan Charm
Sri Lanka Star Backs Manav Suthar for World-Best Potential
Sri Lanka’s Spin-Batting Dilemma Ahead of India Test
Balanced Pitch Set for India-Sri Lanka Second Test
Rishabh Pant’s Comeback Reaches Test Cricket Six-Hitting World Record
