Auqib Nabi drafted into India squad for first three ODIs against New Zealand

On October 31, 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India added Jammu & Kashir pacer Auqib Nabi to India's squad for the first three One-Day Internationals against New Zealand, a series scheduled to start on November 4 that the teams are using to prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

Nabi had originally been named only for the fourth and fifth ODIs, but an injury to Prasidh Krishna prompted the change in selection. He made his international debut against the West Indies and was released from the India A squad for the second unofficial Test against New Zealand. The article said Nabi will have a great opportunity to showcase his skills and seal his place in the team in absence of senior players.

The report stated that Auqib Nabi replaced Prasidh Krishna in the Indian ODI squad for the first three games against New Zealand. In an official release, the BCCI said: "The Men’s Selection Committee has added Auqib Nabi to the squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand. The right-arm pacer, who was initially in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs of the series, will be a part of the Indian squad from the start of the ODI series."

One version of the squad listed in the article read: Shubman Gill [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer [VC], KL Rahul [WK], Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy (only for the first ODI), Auqib Nabi.

A second squad listing included: Shreyas Iyer [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan [WK, VC], Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav.

The article detailed Nabi's recent form with India A, saying he featured in the first unofficial game against New Zealand, picked three wickets each in the two innings and helped his team draw the game. It also noted Nabi was a bit expensive in the West Indies ODIs and that New Zealand conditions would be best-suited for him; the report added he is expected to feature in all games, as India are without some of their key pacers.

The ODI series between India and New Zealand begins on November 4 and, according to the report, will help both teams prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.