Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, has been ruled out of India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka scheduled for August 15 and August 23. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on August 3, 2026, that Bumrah will continue to recover from a left knee injury he sustained while fielding during a one-day international against England in Cardiff in July.

Bumrah, 32, had initially been included in the squad pending a final fitness test and was undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, persistent discomfort in his knee led to his withdrawal from the squad.

The BCCI named uncapped fast bowler Auqib Nabi, 29, from Jammu and Kashmir, as Bumrah’s replacement. Nabi earned his first senior call-up after impressive performances in domestic cricket, taking 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. Notably, he took 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, helping his domestic team win their first title. Nabi also played for India A on their tour of Sri Lanka in June-July, claiming six wickets in two first-class matches. He is the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to be called up to the senior Test side.

The Test series will begin in Galle on August 15, followed by the second Test in Colombo starting August 23. The Indian squad includes captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain KL Rahul, and players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and others.

Sources