IND vs NZ 4th ODI | ‘Pace is good but skill matters’: Auqib Nabi on adapting to New Zealand conditions

Auqib Nabi (Image credit: TimesofIndia.com) NEW DELHI: India paceman Auqib Nabi believes that pace is an advantage, but it is equally important to have confidence in your skills. Jammu and Kashmir says it will stick to the methods that brought it success in domestic cricket as it prepares for the fourth ODI against New Zealand.Nabi had a quiet start to the five-match series, returning figures of 0/33 in the first ODI, which India won by five wickets (DLS method).In the second match, he bounced back and dismissed New Zealand openers Will Young and Tim Seifert to help India register a four-run victory (DLS method).The third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned due to rain and India led the series 2–0. The fourth match is played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday.“Having pace is good but I will back my ability. I will do what I have done and what brought me here. I will just do what I have done in domestic cricket and that will help me here as well,” Nabi said during a press conference ahead of the fourth ODI.

Learning to bowl in New Zealand conditions

Nabi is playing his first series in New Zealand and knows he will have to adapt to the conditions. Temper believes that seam movement will be important as the batsmen cope with swing bowling.“It’s my first time in New Zealand. You have to rely more on the seam here. Use the mixed seam because the swing is manageable,” he said.Nabi also emphasized the importance of bowling with discipline, especially on good batting pitches where bowlers can easily get away with runs.“You have to aim well no matter how good or flat the pitches are. When the wickets are good, you have to play with discipline because you can run,” he said.“We are still discussing plans for the drop-in pitch among ourselves. With Arshdeep and Anshul,” he said.“The weather at home and here is similar. The opposition and the level of cricket is different,” he said.

From Ranji Trophy success to India colours

Known as the ‘Baramulla Express’, Nabi earned his place in the Indian team with consistent performances in domestic cricket.The Jammu and Kashmir pacer took 104 wickets in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 Ranji Trophy seasons. His standout performance came in the 2025–26 season when he picked 60 wickets in 17 innings at an average of 12.65. His efforts played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title. He was also named player of the tournament.Nabi admitted that before he got the opportunity in white-ball cricket, he expected to be tested. However, he believes his current experience will help him when he gets his next chance in the red-ball format.“Before white-ball cricket, I was expecting to be called up to red-ball, but this experience will also be very useful. And then to stay in the Test team as well,” he said.“I am very happy to play for India. Playing for India is a very big thing. Mine too,” he added.“Whenever people talk about equipment, I always say do your best and things will fall into place,” the pacer said.