I didn’t expect to play the white ball for India before the Tests, says Auqib Nabi

India fast bowler Auqib Nabi has openly admitted that he did not expect to be called up to the national white-ball team before he got the chance to play Test cricket. Talking to reporters on the eve of the fourth ODI against New Zealand in Wellington, Nabi said he is happy to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.

“My record in white-ball cricket is good whenever I play for Jammu and Kashmir. To be honest, I didn’t expect to be called to play white-ball cricket. I expected to be called for the red ball. However, this is a good opportunity for me to show my skills,” said Nabi.

“It’s good for all of us. We’ll get a good experience of bowling with the red ball in New Zealand conditions. Staying with the team is always a good experience, you can learn a lot,” he added.

The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler has earned his due First Test challenge for India’s tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year. He was brought into the team as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah’s injury but did not get a match and is still waiting to make his Test debut.

However, Nabi made his ODI debut at home against the West Indies in September. It wasn’t the start he would have hoped for, with the fast bowler conceding 84 runs in 8.5 overs without picking up a wicket on a flat pitch in Guwahati.

Nabi retained his place in the squad for the tour of New Zealand. He was wicketless in the first ODI in Auckland despite holding firm, conceding 33 runs in six overs. He opened his international wicket account in the second ODI in Wellington, he took two wickets for 31 runs in seven overs in a low-scoring contest threatened by rain.

Asked why his celebrations were relatively subdued, unlike many fast bowlers, Nabi said he preferred to let his performances do the talking.

“Continue your work quietly. I want to show my skills on the field, with bat and ball,” he said.

Nabi has enjoyed a prolific run in domestic cricket, taking 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season and 104 wickets in the last two seasons. Given these numbers, many expected him to earn his Test cap, but his first opportunity to represent India came in the ODI format.

MORE HEAT?

Meanwhile, Nabi dismissed suggestions that he needs to increase the pace of his bowling to be effective at the highest level, insisting that he will continue to rely on the skills that have brought him success in domestic cricket.

“Obviously having pace is very good but I will back my skill. I have performed well and reached here based on my skills. Of course pace is a plus factor but I will back my strengths. What has worked for me in domestic cricket will work here,” he said.

While Nabi will be part of the final two ODIs in New Zealand, he will stay back for the Test series. The fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir will serve as one of the net bowlers for the Test team during the two-match series starting on November 19. Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar will also remain in New Zealand for the Test series after completing their ODI duties.

For Nabi, the opportunity to remain in the Test squad will also be valuable exposure to red-ball cricket in New Zealand conditions, something he had originally hoped to experience through a Test call-up.

“It’s good for all of us. We’ll get a good experience of how to bowl with the red ball in New Zealand conditions. Staying with the team is always a good experience, you can learn a lot,” he said.

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