I’d really feel upset if I’m Auqib Nabi

Former India batter Abhinav Mukund opined that Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi would be disappointed at not being picked for the Test matches in New Zealand. He stated that Nabi’s skills are most suited to red-ball cricket.

While Nabi has been named in India’s squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs, he doesn’t find a place in the 16-man Test squad. The visitors have included Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj in their Test squad.

During a discussion on Cricinfo, Mukund admitted that Nabi would consider himself unlucky to not find a place in the Test squad for the tour of New Zealand. He commented:

“It’s a tough space to be in. And it depends on the type of bowler you want. I would feel upset if I’m Auqib Nabi. And if you ask me what his best format was, I would say red-ball cricket. And overseas red-ball cricket is something that I would pick Auqib Nabi for. They picked him for the last two ODIs of the New Zealand series. So yes, it’s unfortunately a tough decision to make. I’m sure he’ll come back pretty hard considering that he’s been omitted from the side.”

Nabi is yet to play a Test match for India. He made his ODI debut against the West Indies in Guwahati in September, registering figures of 0-84 from 8.5 overs.

Mukund picks India’s pacers for NZ vs IND 2026 Tests

Bumrah and Siraj are expected to lead India’s pace bowling attack in the two-match Test series in New Zealand. For the third pacer, India can choose from Prasidh, Akash Deep and Kamboj. Asked for his pick, Mukund replied (via the aforementioned source):

“If Prasidh is fully fit, then definitely Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh. But, if the choice is between Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj, I would pick Akash Deep.”

The first Test of the India-New Zealand series will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19 to November 23. The second Test will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

Edited by Renin Wilben Albert