Auqib Nabi replaces Bumrah in India's Test squad

Auqib Nabi, a 29-year-old all-rounder from Jammu and Kashmir, became the first cricketer from the region to earn a call-up for India’s Test squad on Monday. He replaced Jasprit Bumrah for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15.

For a state long shaped by conflict, harsh winters and limited sporting infrastructure, Nabi’s selection marks a historic milestone. His journey from a small village in Baramulla district to the national team reflects both personal perseverance and the growing recognition of talent from India’s most troubled region. Jammu and Kashmir has produced athletes before, but none have reached the highest level of Indian cricket.

Nabi grew up in a family where cricket was not a priority. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, a schoolteacher, initially pushed him toward academics and medicine, dismissing cricket as a viable path. “There was no scope in cricket. We used to think playing sport was a waste of time,” Ghulam said. But after years of watching his son’s dedication, he changed his mind. “I realised I shouldn’t force him to do something he didn’t want to do.” Nabi’s childhood friend, Junaid Dar, recalled a time when even dreaming of professional cricket seemed impossible. “We came from a place where there was no concept of playing sport professionally,” he said.

Nabi’s rise required daily sacrifices. For years, he traveled 70 kilometers from his home to Srinagar just to train on proper pitches. He started without spike shoes and trained relentlessly—often waking at dawn for the gym before spending the rest of the day practicing. His cousin, Bilal Ahmad Dar, recalled Nabi’s work ethic: “He is very hardworking and consistent. He knows how to fight obstacles.” The breakthrough came in 2020 when Nabi debuted in the Ranji Trophy, India’s top domestic tournament, taking five wickets against Jharkhand.

Last season, Nabi finished as the leading fast bowler in the Ranji Trophy with 44 wickets, yet remained largely unnoticed outside Kashmir. “When you do well but don’t get recognition, it hurts,” his father admitted. Former India all-rounder Parvez Rasool, the region’s first international cricketer and Nabi’s former captain, pointed to his discipline as the key to success. “What stands out about him is his work ethic and discipline.” Now, as India’s first cricketer from Kashmir to earn a Test cap, Nabi’s story is a reminder that talent can emerge from the most unexpected places.