SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been named in India’s 16-member ODI squad for the fourth and fifth matches of the series against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Friday.
The squad selection is another major milestone in Nabi’s cricketing career, following his impressive performances in domestic cricket. The right-arm pacer, who hails from Sheeri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, has emerged as one of Jammu and Kashmir’s prominent fast-bowling talents.
Nabi was included in the squad for the final two matches of the five-match ODI series. Shreyas Iyer will lead the side, while Ishan Kishan has been named vice-captain and wicketkeeper.
The squad also features Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.
Nabi rose to national prominence through his performances for Jammu and Kashmir in domestic cricket, strengthening his reputation as a pace bowler capable of delivering in important matches.
His inclusion in the squad for the final two ODIs gives him an opportunity to feature in India’s plans for the New Zealand series. However, selection in the squad does not by itself confirm his participation in either match.
India’s ODI series against New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 4, with the fourth and fifth matches slated for November 13 and 15, respectively.
