'Auqib Nabi did enough to be selected in original India squad for Sri Lanka tour' - Wasim Jaffer lauds J&K pacer

Auqib Nabi received his maiden call-up to India's senior Test squad on August 3, 2026, as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. The 29-year-old seamer from Jammu and Kashmir was named by the Men's Selection Committee after Bumrah was ruled out of the Test series against Sri Lanka due to an incomplete recovery from a left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.

Nabi's credentials for the call-up rest on an impressive domestic record. Across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, he claimed 104 wickets, including 60 in the 2025-26 campaign. Before his senior call-up, Nabi was part of India A's recent tour of Sri Lanka, where he took six wickets across two first-class matches.

Jaffer, the former India batter, emphasised the importance of recognising consistent domestic form in selection decisions. He highlighted that Nabi's performances over successive Ranji Trophy seasons demonstrated the calibre expected of players entering the national team setup.

"It’s a big thing and a very happy moment. And you are absolutely right that after performing so well, he (Auqib Nabi) probably shouldn’t have come in as a replacement in the first place. But better late than never. I’m very happy for him because he deserves to be in the initial squad," Jaffer said on hisYouTube channel.

Jaffer further stressed that consistent performers at the domestic level should receive immediate recognition. He noted that Nabi's trajectory through India A and his Ranji Trophy record warranted consideration in the original squad announcement.

"When a player performs this well, he should be a first-choice selection. But anyway, congratulations to him for becoming the first player to make it through in the Test team from J&K and on the basis of his performance. I hope that if he gets an opportunity, he proves why he has performed so well," Jaffer added.

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Nabi's performances played a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. If Nabi makes his international debut in Sri Lanka, he will become the first Test cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India. His selection marks a significant milestone for the state's cricket development and recognises the talent emerging from domestic cricket structures.