Archive · 13 Aug 2026
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
