Auqib Nabi Gets India ODI Call-Up as Prasidh Krishna Is Ruled Out of New Zealand Series

Auqib Nabi Gets Bigger Role in India’s ODI Squad as Prasidh Krishna Misses New Zealand Series

Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been handed an expanded role in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Originally selected for the fourth and fifth ODIs, Nabi has now been brought into the squad for the opening three matches, making him available throughout the series.

The squad reshuffle follows Prasidh Krishna’s withdrawal due to a hamstring injury. The Indian fast bowler has not recovered fully from the injury he sustained during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati. He bowled five overs, conceded 45 runs and picked up one wicket before leaving the field.

Although Prasidh was initially selected subject to fitness clearance, the team management has opted to give him additional recovery time. His rehabilitation is being prioritised with the upcoming Test series in mind.

Nabi Earns Promotion After Impressive India A Show
Nabi’s elevation comes after a promising performance in the unofficial Test series between India A and New Zealand A. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer claimed three wickets in the opening match at Lincoln and impressed with his ability to generate movement.

His performance attracted the attention of selectors Pragyan Ojha and Ajay Ratra, who were following the team’s progress. The latest selection decision provides Nabi with an opportunity to make an impression at the international level.

India’s Squad for the First Three ODIs
Shubman Gill will lead the Indian side in the first three matches, while Shreyas Iyer will serve as vice-captain. The squad combines experienced campaigners such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul with several emerging players.

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

Nabi will also be available for the fourth and fifth matches. Iyer will captain India in the final two ODIs, with Tilak Varma and Kumar Kushagra included for that part of the series.

India Face Pace Bowling Challenge
Prasidh’s absence is a concern for India’s bowling combination, particularly given the limited ODI experience of several fast bowlers in the squad.

Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi will be among the pace options, while Mohammed Siraj provides the team with international experience. Siraj is the only frontline pacer in the squad to have played more than 50 ODIs.

Jasprit Bumrah has also been rested from the series as the management looks to preserve his fitness for the longer format.

Prasidh, meanwhile, will concentrate on regaining full fitness before the Test assignments. His 32 wickets in nine matches during India’s drawn Test series in England highlighted his importance to the bowling attack.

The five-match ODI series against New Zealand will begin on November 4.