Aakash Chopra Backs Auqib Nabi as ‘Godsent Opportunity’ Following Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has highlighted Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi as a key contender to make a strong mark in international cricket. Nabi was named as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after Bumrah failed to recover in time.

What Happened

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated that Jasprit Bumrah’s inability to recover for the Sri Lanka tour has provided Auqib Nabi with a major opportunity. Nabi, a right-arm seamer, was the leading wicket-taker in the recent Ranji Trophy season with 60 First-class wickets. Although Nabi had an underwhelming stint in the IPL after being selected by Delhi Capitals in the 2026 mini-auction, Chopra emphasized that domestic red-ball performances should take precedence for a Test series.

Chopra noted that Nabi has accumulated over 100 First-class wickets over the past two years, including 44 wickets in the season prior to his 60-wicket campaign. In addition to Nabi, Chopra identified Chennai Super Kings pacer Anshul Kamboj as another viable option for India’s red-ball squad. Kamboj made his international debut during India’s five-match Test tour of England last year, featured in one match, and has maintained consistent First-class numbers.

Key Highlights

• Auqib Nabi was named in India’s squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah.
• Nabi took 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season and 44 wickets in the preceding season, giving him over 100 First-class wickets in two years.
• Aakash Chopra urged selectors to ignore Nabi’s IPL performances, pointing out that red-ball form is the relevant factor for Test cricket.
• Chopra named Anshul Kamboj as the second key seamer deserving consideration, citing his consistency and past debut on the England tour.
• Chopra voiced concern over the shrinking pool of fast bowlers in the top 10 domestic wicket-takers list over recent Ranji Trophy seasons.

Why This Matters

Chopra raised concerns regarding the overall depth of fast bowling in Indian domestic red-ball cricket. Analyzing recent Ranji Trophy data, he observed that very few seamers feature consistently near the top of the bowling charts. In the 2025-26 season, only two fast bowlers reached the top 10 wicket-takers list: Auqib Nabi (60 wickets) and Mohammad Shami (37 wickets). The previous season featured three fast bowlers in the top 10: Nabi at the top with 44 wickets, followed by Manishankar Murasingh and Shardul Thakur with 35 wickets each. According to Chopra, this small pool makes Nabi’s sustained domestic performance particularly significant for the national team’s red-ball lineup.

What to Watch Next

India will play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, providing Auqib Nabi a potential opportunity to make his Test debut and translate his domestic red-ball form to the international level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Auqib Nabi in India’s Test squad?

Auqib Nabi was included in the squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, who failed to recover in time.

What is Auqib Nabi’s recent First-class record?

Nabi has taken over 100 First-class wickets across the last two seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season and 44 wickets in the season before that.

Who else did Aakash Chopra suggest as a red-ball option?

Chopra mentioned Anshul Kamboj, who previously made his Test debut during India’s tour of England, as another consistent performer with strong domestic numbers.

Source: Based on analysis shared by Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel as reported by CricTracker.