Nabi Promoted to Full ODI Series as Prasidh’s Absence Reshapes Pace Attack

Auqib Nabi has been added to India’s squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand, a promotion that arrives a day after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the five-match series.

The right-arm pacer had initially been named only for the fourth and fifth ODIs. He will now be with the team from the start of the 50-over campaign, which begins on November 4.

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Auqib Nabi added to #TeamIndia squad for first three ODIs vs New Zealand

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— BCCI (@BCCI) October 31, 2026

Nabi’s elevation follows Prasidh’s failure to regain the match fitness required for selection. The Karnataka seamer, recovering from a hamstring injury, needs additional time to build the workload necessary to be match-ready and is expected to return for the subsequent Tests. His absence left the selectors seeking an additional pace option, and Nabi’s proximity to the setup made the decision straightforward.

The 27-year-old was not part of India’s T20I side, but he has been in New Zealand with the A team. He featured in the first unofficial Test against the hosts, though he was not named in the revised squad for the second game that began on Saturday in Christchurch.

Auqib Nabi brings limited but recent international experience. He has played just one ODI, debuting against West Indies in Guwahati last month. His inclusion now offers him an extended opportunity in conditions that will test a relatively untried pace attack, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah rested for the series.

For India, the reshuffle reflects the balancing act between managing workloads ahead of the Test series in New Zealand and fielding a competitive side for the ODIs. Prasidh‘s target remains the longer format, while Nabi’s call-up provides cover and competition in the shorter game.

                                               

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