Auqib Nabi Fast-Tracked into India's Squad for New Zealand ODIs
Right-arm pacer Auqib Nabi joins India's ODI squad for the first three matches against New Zealand following Prasidh Krishna's injury.
In a significant tactical shift, the Men’s Selection Committee has expanded the role of right-arm pacer Auqib Nabi in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. While Nabi was originally slated to join the team only for the final two matches, he has now been included in the squad for the first three ODIs, making him available from the very first ball of the series.
A Change in Plans for the Opening Clash
The five-match ODI series is set to commence on November 4 at the iconic Eden Park in Auckland. According to an official statement from the BCCI, the decision to bring Auqib Nabi into the fold earlier than planned ensures the team has adequate pace coverage from the start of the tour.
"The Men’s Selection Committee has added Auqib Nabi to the squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand. The right-arm pacer, who was initially in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs of the series, will be a part of the Indian squad from the start of the ODI series," the BCCI stated.
The Injury Blow: Prasidh Krishna Out
This sudden adjustment comes as a result of Prasidh Krishna being ruled out of the entire ODI series. Krishna suffered a hamstring injury during India's recent home series against the West Indies. Although his tour participation was initially dependent on a fitness clearance, he has now been officially excluded from the limited-overs format.
Hope Remains for the Test Series
Despite the ODI setback, the door is not completely closed for Prasidh Krishna. He remains in contention for the subsequent two-Test series against New Zealand. Should he pass his fitness assessments, there is a possibility he could be drafted into the India A squad for the final four-day match against New Zealand A, which begins on November 7.
India's Updated Squad Lists
Squad for the First Three ODIs
- Shubman Gill [C]
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer [VC]
- KL Rahul [WK]
- Axar Patel
- Naman Dhir
- Anshul Kamboj
- Gurnoor Brar
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Arshdeep Singh
- Ishan Kishan [WK]
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Nitish Kumar Reddy (Available for the first ODI only)
- Auqib Nabi
Squad for the Fourth and Fifth ODIs
- Shreyas Iyer [C]
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Tilak Varma
- Ishan Kishan [WK, VC]
- Axar Patel
- Naman Dhir
- Auqib Nabi
- Gurnoor Brar
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kumar Kushagra [WK]
- Mohammed Siraj
- Yash Thakur
- Kuldeep Yadav