Auqib Nabi replaces Prasidh Krishna in India’s squad for first three ODIs vs New Zealand

Auqib Nabi replaces Prasidh Krishna in India’s squad for first three ODIs vs New Zealand

Auqib Nabi Added to India Squad for First Three ODIs Against New Zealand

India have brought Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi into the squad for the opening three matches of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, giving the emerging pacer an earlier opportunity to join the international setup. Nabi had initially been selected only for the fourth and fifth ODIs, but the Men’s Selection Committee has revised his availability.

The change adds a promising new option to India’s pace resources as the team prepares for a demanding series. Nabi’s recent performances for India A have strengthened his case, while his record in domestic cricket has marked him out as a bowler capable of contributing across formats. His inclusion also reflects India’s continued effort to develop fast-bowling depth and give in-form players a pathway to the senior side.

Strong India A Performance Boosts Nabi’s Selection Case

Nabi impressed during India A’s ongoing tour of New Zealand, producing a notable performance in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln. The right-arm quick claimed six wickets in the match, including three for 28 in the second innings. That spell helped underline his ability to make an impact in challenging conditions and offered selectors a timely indication of his form.

Although the match was played at the unofficial Test level, the performance has relevance for a white-ball series as well. A bowler who can maintain control, generate movement and take wickets in longer spells may bring useful skills to the ODI format, where teams often need both containment and breakthroughs. Nabi’s recent outing gives India another pace option to assess alongside its established and emerging bowlers.

His domestic record provides further context for the call-up. Nabi took 60 wickets during Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign last season, a haul that helped establish him as one of the standout fast bowlers in the competition. Sustained success over a full domestic season can be especially valuable for a young quick, demonstrating not only wicket-taking ability but also the stamina and consistency required to handle a heavy workload.

Fitness and Workload Remain Important

Nabi’s earlier selection for the final two ODIs was subject to his fitness and readiness to return to competitive cricket. He has not yet regained full fitness and requires additional time to build his bowling workload. As a result, he will continue his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru rather than immediately joining the squad for match action.

The distinction between being named in a squad and being ready to bowl at full intensity is important, particularly for fast bowlers. Rehabilitation typically involves a gradual increase in training demands, allowing a player to rebuild strength, rhythm and endurance while reducing the risk of a setback. The revised squad listing makes Nabi available from the first ODI, but his participation will depend on his recovery and match readiness.

For India, managing that process carefully could be just as important as finding another option for the attack. A fully fit Nabi could add pace and variety, but rushing him back before he has completed his workload build-up would carry unnecessary risk. His progress in Bengaluru is therefore likely to remain a key point of interest as the series approaches.

India’s Pace Attack Gains Another Emerging Option

Nabi is set to join a pace group featuring Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj and Mohammed Siraj. The group combines international experience with younger players seeking to establish themselves at the highest level. Siraj brings a substantial record in international cricket, while Arshdeep has developed into a prominent left-arm option. The newer names offer selectors an opportunity to evaluate additional depth.

Since the conclusion of IPL 2026, several Indian fast bowlers—including Gurnoor, Prince Yadav, Nabi, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma and Kamboj—have made their white-ball debuts. That wave of opportunities points to a broader selection strategy: expanding the pool of players who can be considered for international duties, rather than relying on a small group of regulars across every series.

Such depth can become particularly valuable across a long season, when injuries, workload management and changing conditions affect team combinations. New Zealand’s conditions can also test seamers with movement and bounce, making it useful for India to have multiple pace profiles available. Nabi’s inclusion gives the team another player to monitor, even if his recovery schedule determines when he can take the field.

From Domestic Standout to International Contender

Nabi’s first international call-up came when senior fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were part of the T20I squad for the Asian Games 2026. That opportunity placed him on the selectors’ radar, while his subsequent domestic performances and India A outing have continued to build his credentials.

The latest selection update represents a significant step in his progression, but it is not a guarantee of an immediate ODI debut. India’s final playing XI will depend on conditions, fitness, the balance of the side and the team’s strategy for each match. Still, being made available from the start of the series gives Nabi a chance to integrate with the squad earlier and remain in contention as his rehabilitation continues.

India ODI Squad for the New Zealand Series

For the first three ODIs: Shubman Gill (captain), Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy (first ODI only) and Auqib Nabi.

For the fourth and fifth ODIs: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ishan Kishan (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.

What to Watch in the Series

One of the key storylines will be whether Nabi completes his rehabilitation in time to feature and how India balances its pace attack across the five matches. His six-wicket performance for India A and 60-wicket Ranji Trophy season make him a compelling prospect, but his workload remains the immediate priority.

Any prediction about India’s bowling combination should therefore account for both form and fitness. If Nabi is cleared to play, he could add fresh energy to the attack and gain valuable experience against New Zealand. If he needs more time, the series will still offer opportunities for India’s other developing fast bowlers to make their case. Either way, Nabi’s inclusion signals that his performances have earned attention—and that India are actively building options for the future.

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