Kashmir’s Aaqib Nabi poised for India Test debut after Bumrah injury opens door

Fast bowler Aaqib Nabi is on the verge of becoming the first Test cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir after being called up to India’s squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka, a breakthrough that caps years of perseverance for the 24-year-old pacer from Baramulla.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Nabi as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, who has not fully recovered from the left knee injury he sustained during India’s recent one-day international series against England.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said Nabi had earned his maiden call-up to the senior national side, giving one of India’s most prolific domestic bowlers an opportunity to make his international debut when the first Test begins in Galle on Aug. 15. The second Test will be played in Colombo from Aug. 23.

For Nabi, the selection marks the culmination of a rapid rise built on consistent performances in India’s domestic circuit rather than immediate success in franchise cricket.

The right-arm medium-fast bowler has established himself as one of the country’s leading red-ball bowlers over the past two Ranji Trophy seasons, claiming 104 wickets. During one standout campaign, he collected 60 wickets to help Jammu and Kashmir secure its first Ranji Trophy title, a landmark achievement for the northern region.

His form also earned him a place in the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka earlier this year, where he took six wickets in two first-class matches, strengthening his case for senior selection.

If Nabi is included in the playing XI, he will become the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India in Test cricket. Although all-rounder Parvez Rasool and fast bowler Umran Malik have previously represented India in limited-overs formats, no player from the region has yet appeared in a Test match.

Nabi made his first-class debut in 2020 and has since built an impressive record. In 43 first-class matches, he has taken 162 wickets, with best figures of seven for 24. He has registered seven four-wicket hauls, 16 five-wicket hauls and four 10-wicket match performances, while also contributing 999 runs with the bat.

His rise has come despite modest beginnings.

Born in Baramulla, Nabi grew up in a family with limited financial means. His father worked as a government school teacher, and the nearest cricket ground was about 54 kilometres away in Srinagar, requiring long journeys simply to train.

Reflecting on those early years in an interview with a local newspaper, Nabi said he never viewed the logistical and financial challenges as barriers.

“If your goal is to play for India, these things don’t matter,” he said. “Limited resources don’t matter either. You cannot make excuses. My dream has always been to wear the India jersey.”

Nabi has often cited former India all-rounder Parvez Rasool as an inspiration. Watching Rasool break through to the national side convinced him that a player from Jammu and Kashmir could compete at the highest level.

Following Nabi’s selection, Rasool congratulated the fast bowler on social media, writing that “what is meant for you will always find you” and wishing him continued success with the national team. India pacer Umran Malik also congratulated Nabi through an Instagram post.

Nabi’s journey has not been straightforward. He attended multiple trials for India’s Under-19 team before eventually earning selection and made his List A debut in 2018.

His performances have continued to improve since then. In last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he claimed 15 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 7.41 runs per over. He also took 29 wickets in nine innings during the Ranji Trophy campaign.

In the Duleep Trophy, Nabi grabbed headlines by taking a hat-trick for North Zone against West Zone. He has also achieved the rare feat of claiming four wickets in four consecutive deliveries.

His bowling was instrumental in helping Jammu and Kashmir defeat Delhi for the first time in the Ranji Trophy this year, with Nabi taking five wickets in the match.

Despite his domestic success, Nabi has yet to make a major impact in the Indian Premier League.

Delhi Capitals signed him for 84 million rupees ($960,000) at the IPL auction last December, reflecting the confidence franchises had in his long-term potential. He made his IPL debut this year against Chennai Super Kings but went wicketless in five appearances, although his disciplined bowling and economy rate drew positive reviews.

His selection for the national team nevertheless underlines India’s continued willingness to reward sustained performances in domestic first-class cricket, particularly ahead of a Test series where conditions in Sri Lanka are expected to place heavy demands on the pace attack alongside the spin bowlers.

News of Nabi’s inclusion prompted congratulatory messages from politicians, former cricketers and fans across social media.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised the bowler’s dedication, saying his passion for the sport had earned him a proud moment, while National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar described the selection as evidence of the abundance of cricketing talent emerging from Kashmir.

For many observers, Nabi’s elevation represents more than another squad announcement. It highlights the growing contribution of players from Jammu and Kashmir to Indian cricket and offers fresh inspiration to aspiring cricketers from a region where access to facilities has historically been more limited than in many of India’s traditional cricketing centres.

Whether Nabi makes his debut in Galle or later in the series, his selection has already marked a significant milestone for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir, rewarding years of consistency on the domestic circuit and bringing him within touching distance of the dream he says has driven him since childhood