Auqib Nabi earns India call-up after Bumrah's injury

Auqib Nabi became the first cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to be drafted into the Indian Test squad, replacing injured Jasprit Bumrah for the two-match series against Sri Lanka starting August 15 in Galle.

Nabi took 60 wickets as the leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy, helping J&K clinch their maiden Ranji title, but was initially ignored for India selection.

His father, Gulam Ali Dar, a school teacher, initially rejected a BCCI camp offer with Glenn McGrath as coach, prioritizing studies and medical entrance exam preparation.

Nabi's first club captain, Zubair Dar, convinced his father, who then arranged ₹10,000 for a flight from Srinagar to Chennai, enabling Nabi to attend the camp at age 16.

Now 29, Nabi has also developed his batting, adding all-round capability, and remains humble according to Zubair Dar.