"He has not got wickets" - Aakash Chopra expresses concern over Team India bowler after 1st NZ vs IND 2026 ODI

Former India pacer Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over pacer Aaqib Nabi's unimpressive one-day performances in his short international career so far. According to Chopra, the Jammu & Kashmir pacer's lack of potency is a matter of concern.

Nabi registered figures of 0-33 from six overs in the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. The other three Indian pacers in the match combined to pick up nine wickets. Arshdeep Singh claimed 4-70, Gurnoor Brar 3-44 and Anshul Kamboj 2-22.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra shared his views on India's bowling and expressed concern over Nabi. He said:

"What a phenomenal spell by Anshul Kamboj - 10 overs for 22 runs. He keeps putting the ball in one place and is also good at batting. Nabi was given a chance. He was a late addition into the squad. But let me just go and have a look again. He has not got wickets. This is an issue.

"Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets for 44 runs. Arshdeep Singh was very expensive, but claimed four wickets. But then you ask a question - what is Nabi doing? Things are not working out for him. There was supposed to be a race between him and Anshul Kamboj, but Kamboj is currently leading the race," Chopra added.

Nabi has played two ODIs so far and is yet to claim a wicket. He has conceded 117 runs in 89 balls at an economy rate of 7.88.

Former India pacer offers advice to Nabi

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advised Nabi to hit the ball harder into the pitch in the one-day format. According to Pathan, doing so will help the fast bowler to get more purchase off the pitch. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he commented:

“I have already conveyed my message to Nabi, but one piece of advice is that when he plays red-ball cricket, he kisses the ball onto the pitch. However, when he plays ODI or white-ball cricket, he will have to hit the ball a little harder into the pitch. The pace will remain the same; only the mindset will change. When he starts hitting the ball into the pitch, he will get more purchase, and his release point will also come down. That will benefit him more.”

Nabi (30) has the experience of 38 List A matches in which he has claimed 56 wickets at an average of 29.46 and an economy rate of 5.33, with three four-fers.

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