Auqib Nabi: Did not expect white-ball call-up before Tests, says India pacer

India fast bowler Auqib Nabi said on the eve of the fourth ODI against New Zealand in Wellington that he had not expected a call-up to the national white-ball side before getting a Test opportunity, and that he was determined to make the most of the chances coming his way.

Nabi told reporters: "My record is good in white-ball cricket whenever I play for Jammu and Kashmir. To be honest, I was not expecting I would get a call to play white-ball cricket. I was expecting a red-ball call-up. Nonetheless, it's a good opportunity for me to show my skills." He earned a maiden Test call-up for India's tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year as an injury replacement for Jasprit Bumrah but did not play and is still awaiting his Test debut.

The Jammu and Kashmir pacer made his ODI debut at home against the West Indies in September, conceding 84 runs in 8.5 overs without taking a wicket on a flat Guwahati pitch; he kept his place for the New Zealand tour. In the first ODI in Auckland he was wicketless again, conceding 33 runs in six overs, before opening his international wicket account in the second ODI in Wellington with figures of two for 31 in seven overs in a low-scoring match that was threatened by rain.

When asked about his subdued celebrations, Nabi said: "Keep doing your work in silence. I want to show off my skills on the field, with the bat and the ball." He has produced strong domestic returns, taking 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season and 104 across the last two seasons, numbers that many felt warranted a Test cap.

On whether he needed extra pace to succeed at international level Nabi stated: "Obviously, having pace is very good, but I back my skill. I performed well and reached here based on my skill. Obviously, pace is a plus factor, but I back my strengths. What I did well in domestic cricket will work here too," he said.

Nabi will be available for the final two ODIs in New Zealand and will remain with the squad for the Test series, serving as one of the net bowlers for the two-match series which begins on November 19; Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar will also stay in New Zealand after completing their ODI assignments.

Reflecting on the value of remaining with the Test unit, Nabi said: "It's good for all of us. We will get a good experience as to how to bowl with the red ball in New Zealand conditions. Staying with the team is always a good experience, you get to learn a lot," and will participate in nets ahead of the November 19 start to the Test series.