Auqib Nabi Replaces Injured Prasidh Krishna in India’s ODI Squad, Set to Feature in Entire New Zealand Series

Auqib Nabi Joins India Squad for Entire New Zealand ODI Series After Prasidh Krishna’s Injury

Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has received an early promotion in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Initially selected for the fourth and fifth matches, Nabi has now been included in the squad for the first three ODIs as well, making him available for the entire five-match series.

The change follows the exclusion of fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who has been ruled out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury. Prasidh suffered the injury during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati. He managed to take one wicket while conceding 45 runs in five overs before leaving the field.

Prasidh was originally named in the squad subject to his fitness. However, the Indian team management has decided against rushing his return, with his recovery for the upcoming Test series taking priority.

Auqib Nabi Impresses Selectors with India A Performances
Nabi’s inclusion in the initial matches comes after his impressive performances in the red-ball series between India A and New Zealand A. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer made an impact in the first unofficial Test at Lincoln, claiming three wickets and generating considerable movement off the pitch.

His performance reportedly impressed selectors Pragyan Ojha and Ajay Ratra, who were monitoring the India A matches. The opportunity now gives Nabi a chance to strengthen his position in the national setup.

India’s Updated Squad for First Three ODIs
Shubman Gill will captain India in the opening three matches, with Shreyas Iyer named as vice-captain. The squad features several senior players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

India’s squad for the first three ODIs:
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 continue with the team for the final two matches. Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the fourth and fifth ODIs, while Tilak Varma and Kumar Kushagra are also part of the squad for the concluding leg of the series.

Prasidh Krishna’s Return Expected to Be Focused on Tests
Prasidh Krishna’s absence leaves India with fewer experienced pace options for the ODI assignments. The fast bowler was among India’s key performers during the drawn Test series in England, picking up 32 wickets in nine matches and delivering an impressive performance in the final Test at The Oval.

India’s pace department for the New Zealand ODIs will feature Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi and Mohammed Siraj. Among the frontline fast bowlers, Siraj is the only player with more than 50 ODI appearances.

Jasprit Bumrah has also been rested from the 50-over series as India look to manage his workload ahead of the Test commitments.

The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 4.