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The BCCI has confirmed Auqib Nabi as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement after the star fast bowler ruled himself out of the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka because of a knee injury. The two-match Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and is set to begin on August 15 in Galle.
After the BCCI’s announcement, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that this could be the perfect chance for Nabi to finally get his opportunity. He feels the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler has done everything needed to earn an India call-up with his excellent performances in red-ball cricket over the last two domestic seasons. Amid this, BCCI to assess medical staff amid growing fitness issues in Team India.
Aakash Chopra hails Auqib Nabi as Jasprit Bumrah's ideal replacement for Sri Lanka Tests
Auqib Nabi has been one of the best fast bowlers in domestic cricket. In the last two years, he has taken more than 100 first-class wickets. Last season alone, he picked up 60 wickets and helped Jammu and Kashmir lift its first-ever Ranji Trophy title.
The fast bowler’s overall first-class record is also outstanding. He has taken 162 wickets in 43 matches at an impressive average of 18.63. His consistent performances have finally been rewarded with the maiden India call-up for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour.
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, "Auqib Nabi has more than 100 first-class wickets in the last two years. He had 60 first-class wickets last season. He was left out, but this might be a godsend opportunity. Forget the IPL because he has performed well with the red ball, and this is a red-ball tour. I think Auqib Nabi c.”
Aakash Chopra raises concern over India's fast-bowling depth
The former opener also expressed concern about India's fast-bowling depth in red-ball cricket. After looking at domestic records from the last few seasons, he feels there are very few fast bowlers who have been consistently taking wickets in red-ball cricket.
In the 2025-26 domestic season, only Auqib Nabi and Mohammad Shami finished among the leading wicket-taking fast bowlers. The season before that, Auqib was again among the top performers, while Manisankar Murasingh and Shardul Thakur were the other seamers to feature near the top. Amid this, Shubman Gill credits father for cricketing success, reveals lucky kurta story.
Looking further back, names like Gaurav Yadav (41 wickets), Vijaykumar Vyshak (39 wickets), Deepak Dhapola (38 wickets), Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Baltej Singh, and Ravi Teja also had strong domestic seasons. However, very few of them have managed to become regular members of India's Test team.
Aakash Chopra says India's backup bowling options shrinking
Chopra believes this is a worrying sign for Indian cricket. He feels the number of quality fast bowlers in the domestic circuit has reduced, making it harder for India to find ready replacements whenever senior bowlers get injured. He also believes the same problem exists in the spin department, where there are not many strong backup options.
He signed off by saying, “I checked the red-ball numbers, and I am slightly surprised and troubled. The pool is really small. In the 2025-26 season, only two fast bowlers were in the top 10 list: Auqib Nabi with 60 wickets and Mohammad Shami with 37 wickets. If we see the year before that, there were three. Auqib Nabi is one of them in that as well. Where are the bowlers?”
