Auqib Nabi says extra pace helps but is backing domestic seam skills in New Zealand ODIs
Auqib Nabi said in Mount Maunganui on November 13, 2026 that extra pace is "good" but he is relying on seam movement and the skills developed in domestic cricket as he plays in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. He made the remarks to reporters ahead of the fourth ODI of the series.
Nabi has appeared in three ODIs after a debut at home against the West Indies in which he conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs. India lead the series 2-0 after the third match was washed out, and Nabi bowls in the 130kmph range.
Asked whether he planned to raise his speed, Nabi said: "Obviously, if you have the pace, it's very good. But my skill, I back that. I have done well in domestic cricket. Here, I have come on skill. if there is pace, it is a plus factor. But I back my skill. What I did well in domestic will be useful here as well," said Nabi.
Nabi has spent net sessions bowling to Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the tour and practised with them extensively on Thursday. He recounted their feedback on New Zealand conditions: "Actually, this is my first time putting a ball in New Zealand. So, it is a little different here. Here, you have to depend more on the seam movement. Because the top level batsmen play swing. So, that was their feedback (the trio). "Here, if you do scramble seam or hit the deck, there is a chance to get more wickets here. That is what they told me," added Nabi on his conversations with the high-profile top-order batters.
Nabi said discussing plans with fellow pacers is important in unfamiliar wickets and noted a local characteristic: "We discuss with the bowlers as to how to bowl on a particular wicket. And here, because there are a lot of drop-in wickets in New Zealand." He also described his preferred on-field demeanour: "Yes, that's what I want (being calm). I want to do my job quietly, and show my skills on the field with my batting and bowling," he added.
The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler, who helped J&K to their maiden Ranji Trophy title, said he had expected a red-ball call before playing white-ball internationals. "If you look at my white ball record in domestic, it is good. To be honest, I wasn't expecting my first call to be in white ball. I was expecting it to be in red ball. Nonetheless, it's a good opportunity for me to show my skills," he said.
Reflecting on adapting to different surfaces after his debut and on what bowlers must focus on, Nabi said: "Whatever wicket you are playing on, whether it is a helping or a flat wicket. Your motive is to put the ball in good areas. And hopefully, when there is help from the wicket, you have to put a lot of attention in that as well. You can go for runs if you are not disciplined," he said.
Nabi will remain with the India squad to assist preparations ahead of the two-Test series beginning November 19; on that plan he said: "Staying with the team is always a good experience. We will get to learn a lot," said Nabi.
