India’s Next Test Stars? Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi Ready for Sri Lanka Challenge

The Indian side has entered the final phase of its preparations for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with the visitors currently taking on a Sri Lanka XI in a three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground in Colombo. The practice fixture is the team’s final opportunity to assess conditions, test combinations and fine-tune preparations before the opening Test begins in Galle on August 15. While the established names continue their build-up to the series, two uncapped cricketers—Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi—are quietly making a strong case for their maiden Test caps.

Both players earned their places in the squad after outstanding domestic seasons and impressive performances for India A on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. Having already experienced the conditions they are likely to encounter during the Test series, the duo could provide valuable options if India decide to rotate their bowling attack or alter the team balance.

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For Saransh Jain, the India call-up is the reward for years of consistency in domestic cricket. The 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh cricketer has established himself as one of the country’s most dependable spin-bowling all-rounders through sustained performances across multiple seasons.

A left-handed batter who bowls right-arm off-spin, Saransh has scored 2,223 runs and taken 188 wickets in first-class cricket. His batting average of 31.75 and bowling average of 27.30 underline his ability to contribute in both departments. He has also registered two centuries and 14 half-centuries during his first-class career.

The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season proved to be the finest of his career. He scored 518 runs at an average of 57.55 while claiming 30 wickets at 20.43, playing a crucial role for Madhya Pradesh throughout the campaign. His rich vein of form continued in the Duleep Trophy, where he was named Player of the Tournament after taking 16 wickets in only two matches while also scoring two half-centuries.

Saransh carried that confidence into India A’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. In the second four-day match in Galle, he struck an unbeaten 70 and claimed six wickets, demonstrating his effectiveness in spin-friendly conditions. Those performances strengthened his credentials ahead of the senior team’s tour and have placed him firmly in contention for a Test debut.

Fast bowler Auqib Nabi has earned his maiden India call-up after replacing the injured Jasprit Bumrah in the squad. The 29-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of the country’s most consistent fast bowlers in domestic cricket over the past two seasons.

Auqib enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign, helping Jammu and Kashmir secure their maiden title. He finished with 60 wickets in just 10 matches and was named Player of the Tournament. His wicket tally was also the third-highest by an Indian fast bowler in a single Ranji Trophy season.

His numbers over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons are equally impressive. Auqib has taken 104 wickets in just 18 matches, including 13 five-wicket hauls. Seven of those five-fors came during the 2025-26 campaign, equalling the record for the most by a fast bowler in an Indian first-class season.

Although primarily known for his pace bowling, Auqib has also shown his batting ability. He scored an unbeaten 114 against Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to register a List A century, highlighting his capability as a lower-order contributor.

Like Saransh, Auqib featured during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka and picked up six wickets across two matches. His experience in local conditions, coupled with his recent domestic form, makes him an exciting option as India look to manage their pace resources during the series.

With the Indian side currently engaged in the warm-up match at the NCC Ground in Colombo, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi have an opportunity to leave a lasting impression before the first Test. Whether they earn their Test caps immediately or later in the series, both players have already demonstrated that consistent performances in domestic cricket continue to be recognised at the highest level.

Their inclusion reflects India’s strong domestic pathway, where sustained excellence is increasingly being rewarded with opportunities in the national team. As the countdown to the Galle Test continues, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi will hope that years of hard work culminate in the biggest moment of their careers.

Aqib stats

Saransh Stats