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Auqib Nabi has responded to questions about his bowling pace as he looks to establish himself in India's ODI team. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer believes speed can be an advantage, but insists that sticking to his strengths and trusting his skills will matter more as he adjusts to international cricket.
Auqib Nabi's entry into the national side has not been straightforward. After earning his maiden call-up on the back of impressive domestic performances, he endured a difficult debut against the West Indies. He has since picked up his first international wickets against New Zealand, but faces the challenge of proving he can deliver consistently at the highest level.
Auqib Nabi yet to shine since India debut, faces criticism over slow speeds
Nabi received his maiden ODI call-up in September 2026 after establishing himself as one of the leading fast bowlers in domestic cricket. His performances for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, brought him into contention for the national side. He made his international debut against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30.
The first outing, however, was a tough one. Nabi conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs without taking a wicket, recording the most expensive figures by an Indian bowler on ODI debut. He was subsequently named in India's squad for the final two ODIs against New Zealand before being brought into the group for the entire series following Prasidh Krishna's injury.
Nabi has taken two wickets in his first three ODIs against New Zealand, with best figures of 2/31. His early performances have also brought attention to his bowling speed, with questions being raised about whether he can consistently trouble international batters.
India are looking at Nabi as a pace-bowling option who can contribute with the bat lower down the order. His ability to strike with the new ball and provide depth at No. 8 could make him a useful addition, but he will need to translate his domestic success into regular international performances.
Having pace is good but I back my skills - Auqib Nabi
Speaking ahead of the fourth ODI against New Zealand, Auqib Nabi addressed the discussion around his pace. The 30-year-old acknowledged that speed helps a fast bowler, but made it clear that he does not intend to abandon the approach that earned him an India opportunity.
"Having pace is good but I back my skills. I will do what I have been doing and what has brought me here. I will just do what I did in domestic cricket, and that will help me here too," Nabi said during the press conference, as quoted by TOI.
He also spoke about adapting to New Zealand conditions, where seam movement and disciplined bowling can be important.
"It is my first time in New Zealand. You need to rely more on seam here. Use scrambled seam because swing can be dealt with," he said.
"You need to bowl well no matter how good or flat the pitches are. When wickets are good, you need to bowl with discipline because you can go for runs," he added.
"We keep discussing amongst ourselves about plans for drop-in pitches. With Arshdeep and Anshul both," he said.
I was expecting a red-ball call-up before white-ball cricket - Auqib Nabi
Auqib Nabi also admitted that his international breakthrough came in a different format than he had anticipated. Having built his reputation through red-ball cricket, he expected a Test opportunity to arrive before his ODI debut. However, he believes the experience of playing white-ball cricket for India will also help him in the longer format.
"I was expecting a red-ball call-up before white-ball cricket, but this experience will also be very helpful. And then also staying with the Test team," he said.
"Very happy to play for India. Khelna India ke liye bahut badi baat hai. Mera bhi wohi tha," he added.
"Whenever people say about facilities, I always say do your best and things will fall in place," the pacer concluded.
