India adds Auqib Nabi to opening ODI squad for New Zealand series

Squad update ahead of the India‑New Zealand ODI series

The Men’s Selection Committee has announced a change to India’s 15‑man squad for the first three One‑Day Internationals (ODIs) against New Zealand. Right‑arm fast‑bowler Auqib Nabi – who was originally slated for the fourth and fifth matches – will now be available from the series opener on Wednesday, 4 November 2024 (IST).

Confirmed details from the ICC announcement

• Competition: Five‑match ODI series, part of the ICC Future Tours Programme.
• Venue: The opening ODI will be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (exact start time not disclosed in the source; typical start times are 2:30 pm IST).
• Format: 50‑over per side, standard ODI rules.
• Squad changes:
• Auqib Nabi added for ODIs 1‑3.
• Nitish Kumar Reddy retained for the first ODI only.
• Prasidh Krishna omitted after failing to obtain a fitness clearance.
• Retained players: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice‑captain), KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav.

Reported background on Nabi

• Nabi made his ODI debut last month against the West Indies, where he bowled without taking a wicket.
• In a recent India ‘A’ vs New Zealand ‘A’ first‑class match, he claimed six wickets across two innings, a performance that reportedly influenced the selection committee’s decision.

Practical implications

• Pace‑bowling depth: With Krishna unavailable, India’s pace options now include Siraj, Yash Thakur (in the later ODIs), and the newly added Nabi, potentially giving the team more flexibility on Indian pitches that traditionally favour seamers.
• Team balance: The inclusion of an extra pacer does not alter the batting line‑up, but it may affect the composition of the playing XI, especially if conditions in Bengaluru favor swing.
• Verification: The official squad list can be cross‑checked on the ICC’s website (https://www.icc‑cricket.com) under the news release titled *“India bolster pace attack for New Zealand ODIs.”*

What remains unknown

• The exact playing XI for each of the first three ODIs has not been announced.
• No information is provided about the match timings, ticketing, or broadcast details.
• Nabi’s role (starter or impact bowler) will only be clear once the team sheets are released.

Context of the ongoing series

India and New Zealand are currently engaged in a five‑match T20I series, with India leading 3‑1. The final T20I is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2024. The ODI series follows immediately, beginning on 4 November.

--- *This article is based solely on the ICC’s official announcement and does not contain any unverified statements or fabricated quotes.*