Auqib Nabi added to India squad for first three New Zealand ODIs
By Aarav DeshpandeSports Correspondent, Peepals Yuva
Representative image: moerschy / Pixabay
The BCCI added pacer Auqib Nabi to India's squad for the first three ODIs in New Zealand on October 31, 2026, in place of Prasidh Krishna; the series starts November 4.
What Happened
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, October 31, 2026, added fast bowler Auqib Nabi to India's squad for the first three one-day internationals (ODIs) against New Zealand, making him available for the whole five-match series. The 29-year-old had originally been picked only for the last two games. He replaces Prasidh Krishna for the opening matches. Reports differ on why: some say Krishna was ruled out with an injury, while others say the team management chose to rest him to manage his recovery and workload ahead of the Test series that follows. The series starts on Wednesday, November 4, at Eden Park in Auckland.
Key Facts
- Decision: the BCCI added Auqib Nabi to India's squad for ODIs 1 to 3 against New Zealand on October 31, 2026.
- Before the change, Nabi had been named only for ODIs 4 and 5.
- He takes the place of Prasidh Krishna for the first three games; reports differ on whether Krishna is injured or being rested.
- Form: Nabi took a three-wicket burst for India A in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Lincoln, which reports say helped his case.
- First ODI: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Eden Park, Auckland, starting 3 pm local time (about 7.30 am in India).
- The squad for the opening games is led by captain Shubman Gill and includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj.
Why It Matters
A place in India's touring ODI squad from the very first match is a big step for a fast bowler still establishing himself. Nabi's path has gone through India A, where he has used the conditions in New Zealand well. His three-wicket spell at Lincoln came in exactly the kind of bowler-friendly conditions India expect in the ODIs, and the selectors have rewarded it by giving him the chance to play from the very first match.
New Zealand is a demanding place for fast bowlers. Grounds are often windy, pitches can offer seam movement early in the day, and boundaries at some venues are short. A bowler who can swing the new ball and hold his length can make an impact, while one who strays gets punished. For Nabi, the first three ODIs are an opportunity to show he can do both in international cricket, not just for the A team.
For India, the change is also about workload. The ODI series is followed by two Tests, and fast bowlers carry most of the physical load across formats. Keeping a senior seamer fresh for the Tests while giving a bowler in form his chance is the balance the selectors appear to be striking.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | November 4, 2026 | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 2nd ODI | November 7, 2026 | Wellington |
| 3rd ODI | November 10, 2026 | Seddon Park, Hamilton |
| 4th ODI | November 13, 2026 | Bay Oval, Tauranga |
| 5th ODI | November 15, 2026 | Bay Oval, Tauranga |
Impact
Short-term: Nabi is in contention to play from the first ODI in Auckland, depending on the team's final combination. A good start would strengthen his claim for a regular place in the white-ball squad.
Long-term: For young fast bowlers, Nabi's rise through India A shows a route to the national team built on performances in overseas conditions. For India, it widens the pool of seamers ahead of a busy international season.
Who is affected: Auqib Nabi; Prasidh Krishna, who misses the first three games; India's fast-bowling group and team management; and young fast bowlers who see the India A route as their way in.
Key Takeaway
Auqib Nabi's promotion to India's squad for all five ODIs in New Zealand, after a strong India A spell at Lincoln, gives the 29-year-old pacer a chance to make his mark from the series opener on November 4.
Questions and Answers
Why was Auqib Nabi added to India's squad for the first three ODIs?
The BCCI added him on October 31, 2026, in place of Prasidh Krishna. Reports differ on whether Krishna is injured or being rested for the Tests. Nabi's three-wicket spell for India A at Lincoln helped his case.
When does the India vs New Zealand ODI series start?
The first ODI is on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Eden Park, Auckland, starting at 3 pm local time, about 7.30 am in India.
Who is Auqib Nabi?
He is a 29-year-old fast bowler who has played for India A and has now been named in India's squad for all five ODIs against New Zealand.
Who captains India in the New Zealand ODIs?
Shubman Gill is the captain. The squad for the first three games also includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj.
Disclaimer: Prepared by the Peepals newsroom from publicly available sources with AI assistance. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. Images may be representative. Not professional advice. Report an error via our contact page.
By Aarav Deshpande, Sports CorrespondentCovers Sports and more for Peepals Yuva. All stories by Aarav Deshpande
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Aarav Deshpande is a pen name of the Peepals Global Editorial Team, which researches, fact-checks and publishes every story. The portrait is an illustration.
