Auqib Nabi, a 29-year-old all-rounder, has become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to be called up to India's Test squad. His selection follows his performance in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, where he took 60 wickets in 10 matches.
Nabi will replace Jasprit Bumrah for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin on 15 August. This achievement is seen as a significant moment for a region where sporting opportunities have been limited by conflict, harsh winters, and underdeveloped infrastructure.
Nabi's father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, a schoolteacher, initially wanted his son to focus on academics. However, Auqib's dedication to cricket eventually led his father to support his passion. Former India all-rounder Parvez Rasool, who captained Auqib, highlighted his work ethic and discipline as key to his success.
Jammu and Kashmir, affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 1957, has only two major cricket stadiums with limited facilities. Rasool believes Nabi's journey will inspire a new generation of cricketers from the region, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to the highest level of the sport.