Mumbai, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been added to India’s squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand, extending his availability for the five-match series after initially being selected only for the final two games.
The BCCI announced the change on Saturday, a day after pacer Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the tour because he needs more time to recover from a hamstring injury and regain match fitness.
Nabi’s recent performances in New Zealand are understood to have strengthened his case. The 29-year-old claimed six wickets in the opening unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A at Lincoln last week. He had also taken four wickets for Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup against Rest of India before travelling to New Zealand.
The call-up gives Nabi another opportunity to make an impression after a difficult start to his ODI career. He made his debut against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30, conceding 84 runs in 8.5 overs. He was subsequently left out of the playing XI for the third ODI at Mullanpur.
His domestic record, however, has been impressive. Nabi played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season, finishing with 60 wickets.
Shubman Gill will captain India in the first three ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer leading the side in the final two matches. Gill and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul are scheduled to leave the squad after the third ODI to prepare for the subsequent two-Test series.
The five-match ODI series begins on November 4.
India 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.
India squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper and vice-captain), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.
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