“Surprising that he has been given an opportunity” - Wasim Jaffer's blunt remark on 29-year-old ahead of NZ vs IND 2026 ODIs
Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes it is surprising that 29-year-old Auqib Nabi has been included in the ODI squad for the New Zealand series.
Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes it is surprising that 29-year-old Auqib Nabi has been included in the ODI squad for the New Zealand series. Nabi was initially selected for the fourth and fifth ODIs but was later added to the squad for the entire series after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel ahead of the first ODI, scheduled for November 4 in Auckland, Jaffer stated that Nabi is primarily a red-ball bowler and deserved an opportunity in the Test team rather than the ODI squad. Wasim Jaffer said:
“For me, it is quite surprising that he (Auqib Nabi) has been given an opportunity in the 50-over format. I was very, very disappointed that he wasn't picked for the Test matches. We know that he isn't really a white-ball bowler. He is a red-ball bowler, and the New Zealand series would have been perfect for him to make his Test debut.
“When someone has performed so well, and considering that he isn't particularly experienced in the 50-over format, I feel he deserved an opportunity in the Test team rather than the ODI team. Anyway, getting selected for the Indian team is always an honour, and that is certainly true,” he added.
Nabi made his ODI debut against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30, returning figures of 0/84 in 8.5 overs.
“He won't be the first choice” - Wasim Jaffer assesses Auqib Nabi's chances in the playing XI
During the same discussion, Wasim Jaffer stated that Auqib Nabi would not be the first choice in the playing XI but could get an opportunity if India seal the series early. He said:
“I think it will probably be difficult for him to make the first XI initially. He won't be the first choice for the opening matches. Maybe if we win the series early or if something happens, he could get an opportunity. But I don't think he will get a chance at the start.”
Nabi has claimed 56 wickets in 37 List A matches at an average of 28.87 and a strike rate of 32.5, with an economy rate of 5.33 and best figures of 4/39.
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