Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of Sri Lanka Tests

NEW DELHI: India have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a knee injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday.

Bumrah, widely regarded as India’s pace spearhead, has not fully recovered from the left knee injury he sustained during the One-Day International series against England last month.

In a statement, the BCCI said the 32-year-old remains unavailable for selection as he continues his rehabilitation. Bumrah has not bowled competitively since the second ODI against England in Cardiff on July 16, where he suffered the injury.

His absence is a major setback for India, particularly with the challenging conditions expected in Sri Lanka, where Bumrah’s experience and ability to strike with the new ball have often made the difference in Test matches.

Replacing him in the 15-member squad is promising fast bowler Aquib Nabi, who receives his maiden senior international call-up after an impressive run in domestic cricket.

The 29-year-old pacer from Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of India’s brightest bowling prospects, claiming 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. He also impressed during India A’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, taking six wickets in two first-class matches, performances that earned him a place in the senior squad.

India, led by Shubman Gill, will play a warm-up match before the opening Test begins in Galle on August 15. The second and final Test is scheduled to be played in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

The series now presents a golden opportunity for Nabi to showcase his talent on the international stage, while India will hope their emerging pace attack can compensate for the absence of one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.

With Bumrah sidelined and a new face joining the squad, all eyes will be on India’s bowling unit as the visitors aim to begin their Sri Lanka campaign on a winning note.

India squad

Shubman Gill (capt), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.