Auqib Nabi replaces Prasidh Krishna in India’s squad for first three NZ ODIs

The BCCI has added Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi to India’s squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand. He was initially selected only for the last two matches of the series.

Nabi will now be available for all five ODIs against New Zealand. The change comes after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the series due to injury. Nabi’s inclusion gives India another pace option for the upcoming matches.

The ODI series will begin on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. India will look to start the series on a strong note as both teams prepare for the five-match contest.

Why Prasidh Krishna is out: Hamstring injury update and return timeline

Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury. He was recovering from the injury but could not regain the match fitness required for selection. He will need more time to build up his workload and is expected to return for the upcoming Test series.

Prasidh sustained the injury during India's recent home series against the West Indies. His availability for the New Zealand tour was subject to fitness clearance. If he passes his fitness test, he could be included in the India A squad for the third four-day match against New Zealand A, starting on November 7. Meanwhile, Auqib Nabi brings another pace option to the Indian squad. He has played one ODI so far, making his debut against the West Indies in Guwahati last month.

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The BCCI confirmed Nabi's inclusion in an official statement. It 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."

Who is Auqib Nabi? The Kashmir pacer with 104 Ranji Wickets in two season

Auqib Nabi is a fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir who has made a name for himself with his impressive performances in the Ranji Trophy. He took 104 wickets across two consecutive seasons, 2024–25 and 2025–26, establishing himself as one of the leading fast bowlers in domestic cricket.

Nabi picked up 44 wickets in the 2024–25 season and followed it with an outstanding 60 wickets in 2025–26. He finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with an average of 12.65 and won the Player of the Tournament award. His performances also played a major role in helping Jammu and Kashmir win their maiden Ranji Trophy title.

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In total, Nabi took 104 wickets in 18 matches and 32 innings at an average of 13.14 across the two seasons. His 2025–26 campaign included seven five-wicket hauls, including figures of 7/24 against Rajasthan. He also took nine wickets in the semi-final against Bengal, with figures of 5/87 and 4/36. His tally of 60 wickets was the third-highest by a fast bowler in a single Ranji Trophy season.

India’s squad for the first 3 NZ ODIs: Full list and pace attack analysis

India's pace attack for the first three ODIs against New Zealand includes Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi. Nitish Kumar Reddy is also available for the first ODI only. Nabi's inclusion adds another pace option after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

India’s updated 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's ODI squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs: 

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.