India’s preparations for their two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka have taken a major hit with the news that pace maestro Jasprit Bumrah has been reportedly ruled out due to injury. Although initially included in the 15-player traveling squad following reports of a successful fitness evaluation, the world's top-ranked red-ball bowler has been unable to secure full medical clearance for the upcoming assignment.
Five bowlers who might replace Jasprit Bumrah in Sri Lanka Tests
Going by a TOI report, Bumrah experienced ongoing discomfort in his left knee during assessments at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Prioritizing the long-term health of their marquee paceman, the Indian board's medical team advised against rushing him back into international red-ball cricket, opting instead to extend his recovery window.
With Bumrah officially unavailable, the selection committee is finalizing a substitute to bolster the squad's fast-bowling stocks. Jammu and Kashmir standout Auqib Nabi has emerged as the front-runner to earn a call-up, though proven domestic and international options like Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Yash Thakur remain strong contenders for the vacancy.
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Auqib Nabi
Auqib Nabi has fast become the front-runner to fill the void left by Jasprit Bumrah for India's upcoming World Test Championship series in Sri Lanka, largely driven by his incredible run in the domestic red-ball circuit.
The Jammu and Kashmir standout proved to be an absolute force during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, leading the bowling charts with a remarkable 60-wicket haul across 10 matches to power his state team to their historic maiden title. Throughout the campaign, he consistently caught the eye of national selectors, notably putting international stars like KL Rahul under immense pressure with his aggressive bowling.
Beyond his raw numbers, Nabi’s ability to generate sharp movement in both directions makes him a constant threat with the new ball. Having already gained valuable experience in Sri Lankan conditions during his stint with India A, his capability to chip in with vital runs down the order adds crucial depth, giving the selectors a potent, all-round option for the Test squad.
Anshul Kamboj
Another compelling candidate to step into Jasprit Bumrah's shoes for the upcoming Sri Lankan tour is Haryana fast bowler Anshul Kamboj. Having already earned a Test cap for the national team, Kamboj boasts a proven track record in long-format cricket that makes him an attractive option for the selectors.
His recent experience on the island gives him a distinct advantage over other contenders. Having toured Sri Lanka with the India A squad last month, he spent significant time bowling extended spells at Galle International Stadium—the very venue set to host the series opener—offering him crucial familiarity with local pitch behavior.
The Chennai Super Kings pacer brings a impressive First-Class resume, having captured 105 wickets in 34 appearances while maintaining a disciplined economy rate of 3.05. His capacity to maintain tight control over prolonged spells provides the Indian bowling attack with a dependable, workhorse option for this key assignment.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh presents a compelling alternative to fill the vacant spot in India's Test contingent. As a left-arm paceman, he provides a valuable point of difference to the bowling setup, with his natural ability to extract late movement off the new ball posing a distinct threat on Sri Lankan pitches.
Beyond his immediate bowling impact, his angle creates valuable rough marks outside the off-stump—a tactical asset that could pay huge dividends for spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja as the match progresses. His red-ball credentials are equally solid, having harvested 67 wickets across 22 First-Class appearances, a tally that includes a pair of five-wicket hauls.
While he has yet to make his Test debut, Arshdeep brings substantial familiarity with island conditions through his white-ball appearances for the national side, making him a ready-to-go candidate for the longest format.
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Mukesh Kumar
If the selection committee favors a seasoned hand accustomed to the rigors of Test cricket, Mukesh Kumar stands out as a strong candidate. The Bengal paceman has already donned the Test cap for India and maintains an outstanding track record in domestic cricket, consistently spearheading his state's attack in the Ranji Trophy to stay on the national radar. While he doesn't match the raw speed of Bumrah, his pinpoint accuracy and proven experience make him a highly dependable option to maintain pressure in subcontinental conditions.
Yash Thakur
Vidarbha’s Yash Thakur is another name in contention following his recent red-ball stint in Sri Lanka with the India A squad, where he collected five wickets across two First-Class fixtures. The 27-year-old subsequently made his international bow during the T20I series against Zimbabwe, featuring in a couple of matches for the senior side. Boasting an impressive tally of 93 wickets in 32 First-Class appearances, Thakur offers an aggressive, hit-the-deck bowling profile that could serve as ideal pace-bowling depth alongside Prasidh Krishna.