Fast bowler Aukib Nabi has been officially included in the Indian squad for the entire five-match ODI series against New Zealand.
This decision comes after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out due to injury. Initially, Nabi was only set to play in the fourth and fifth ODIs of the series.
Nabi’s Previous Performance and Current Form
Aukib Nabi has played one ODI for India so far, but his debut performance did not meet expectations. In the second ODI against the West Indies, he bowled 10 overs, conceding 84 runs without taking a wicket. Nevertheless, considering his recent form and the conditions in New Zealand, he has been given another opportunity.
Currently, Nabi is in New Zealand, where he showcased impressive bowling in the first unofficial Test match between India A and New Zealand A, claiming six wickets. This performance has led the team management to retain him for the initial matches of the ODI series.
Prasidh Krishna’s Recovery and Future Matches
Prasidh Krishna is expected to join the India A team for the third unofficial Test match, which will coincide with the ODI series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) aims for Krishna to regain match fitness and prepare for the upcoming Test series through this match. However, his participation will depend entirely on his fitness level.
The BCCI has stated that Krishna requires more time to be fully prepared for competitive matches and to build necessary bowling workload. Being out of the ODI series will provide him with the chance to practice and regain his rhythm before the Test series. The board is closely monitoring his fitness, and the final decision will be based on his physical condition.
Upcoming ODI and Test Series Schedule
The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is set to commence on November 4 and will conclude on November 15. Following the ODI series, two Test matches will be held, starting on November 19. Therefore, it is crucial for the Indian team to prepare for both the ODIs and the upcoming Test series.
Updated Indian Team for the First Three ODIs Against New Zealand
India’s Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dheer, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Barar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy (only for the first ODI), and Aukib Nabi.
Indian Team for Fourth and Fifth ODIs Against New Zealand
India’s Squad: Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper and Vice-Captain), Axar Patel, Naman Dheer, Aukib Nabi, Gurnoor Barar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, and Kuldeep Yadav.