India lose star bowler for Sri Lanka Test series

Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the Test tour of Sri Lanka due to a knee injury.

The two-match series, which is a part of the World Test Championship, will commence on August 15 in Galle.

The 31-year-old has been managing the injury since the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and only recently returned to international cricket, making his ODI comeback against England after an absence of nearly two years.

However, he only featured in two matches and was ruled out of the final game after experiencing discomfort in his knee.

Bumrah was initially part of the travelling group when the squad was announced for the Test series against Sri Lanka but will now continue his recovery, keeping in mind the long-term implications.

India confirmed the news on Monday, with uncapped quick Auqib Nabi confirmed as Bumrah's replacement in the squad.

"Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka as he has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England," India said via a statement.

"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as Bumrah's replacement.

"The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team.

"Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.

"He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches."

The series carries significant weight in the race to reach the ICC World Test Championship Final to be played at The Oval next year, with India and Sri Lanka currently occupying fifth and sixth place in the standings respectively.

India sit fifth with a points percentage of 48.15. They drew their away series against England 2-2 before sweeping West Indies at home in a two-match series, but a 2-0 series defeat to reigning World Test Championship holders South Africa saw them slip down the table.

Sri Lanka are close behind in sixth with a points percentage of 41.67. They have played just two series in the current cycle, defeating Bangladesh 1-0 at home before suffering a 1-0 defeat away to West Indies.

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