Auqib Nabi has been promoted to India’s squad for the entire five-match ODI series against New Zealand after fast bowler Prasidh Krishna was ruled out with a hamstring injury. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer was initially selected for the fourth and fifth matches but will now be available from the beginning of the series.
The decision follows Krishna’s failure to fully recover from the injury he sustained during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati. He picked up one wicket for 45 runs in five overs before leaving the field.
The 30-year-old was initially included in India’s squad subject to fitness. However, the team management is prioritising his recovery ahead of the upcoming Test series.
Nabi Impresses Selectors During India A Tour
Nabi’s performances in India A’s red-ball series against New Zealand A helped strengthen his case for an early call-up. His three-wicket spell in the first unofficial Test at Lincoln, along with his ability to generate seam movement, reportedly impressed selectors Pragyan Ojha and Ajay Ratra.
India’s updated squad for the first three ODIs will be led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain. The group also features senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
The updated squad includes 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 remain part of the squad for the final two matches as well. Shreyas Iyer will lead that group, which also includes Tilak Varma and Kumar Kushagra.
Prasidh Krishna Focuses on Test Cricket
Krishna’s absence leaves India with a relatively inexperienced pace attack for the ODI series. Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj and Nabi have limited international experience, while Mohammed Siraj is the only frontline fast bowler in the squad with more than 50 ODI appearances.
Jasprit Bumrah has also been rested from the series to focus on the Tests. Krishna, meanwhile, will look to regain full fitness after an impressive Test run, having taken 32 wickets in nine matches during India’s drawn series in England.
The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand begins on November 4, 2026.
Relevant Link: Board of Control for Cricket in India
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