Auqib Nabi’s Readiness for White-Ball Cricket Questioned After ODI Call-Up
Auqib Nabi, a Jammu and Kashmir seamer, received his first One-Day International call-up on September 16, 2026, when the BCCI named India’s roster for a three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The 29-year-old right-arm medium bowler was named to the team as most senior players flew to Japan for the Asian Games 2026. On September 27, the series will begin in Thiruvananthapuram.
Auqib Nabi selection after an impressive Ranji Trophy campaign in 2025-26, when he ended with 60 wickets at an average of 12.65 and was named player of the tournament.
He was also signed by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore during the 2026 IPL auction. He was previously called up for India’s two-match Test series in Sri Lanka as an injury replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, however he did not participate.
Former India batsman Aakash Chopra expressed concerns over Auqib Nabi ability to meet the demands of white-ball cricket.
Chopra’s reservations over Auqib Nabi white-ball readiness.
Despite being named to the squad, Nabi is unlikely to make his ODI debut and may instead sit out the series. Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Gurnoor Brar are the squad’s three frontline speed options, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is a fast-bowling all-rounder, restricting opportunities for the newcomer.
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Chopra went on to express his doubts about Nabi potential to perform in the shorter format, specifically his bowling velocity and ability to function throughout an innings.
