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Virat Kohli is all set to return to action with the five-match ODI series between the India National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team, starting on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. All the superstars, like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, resumed practice.
Kohli and Rohit were seen preparing for the challenge, but it was Auqib Nabi who caught everyone's attention during Sunday's (November 1) practice session at Eden Park in Auckland. Amid this, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bring smiles to fans with their special bond in Auckland.
Auqib Nabi gives Virat Kohli a tough time in Auckland nets ahead of New Zealand ODI series
Auqib Nabi, along with Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj, gave both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma a tough time in the nets at Eden Park in Auckland. The young bowlers were brought in to help the former Indian captains get used to the local conditions.
However, Nabi turned out to be the biggest challenge, especially for Kohli, as he troubled the former Indian captain with his impressive swing and movement. The Jammu and Kashmir bowler looked in excellent rhythm and repeatedly beat Kohli's outside edge with deliveries moving in both directions.
As reported by Revsportz, Nabi troubled the dashing right-hander with sharp incoming deliveries that hit his pads and thigh pads. Kohli played some beautiful shots during the session, but Nabi made sure that the batting superstar did not have an easy time.
The fast bowler kept asking difficult questions, and Kohli even appeared frustrated after getting beaten several times. However, the former Indian captain did not allow those moments to affect his confidence and continued with his preparations.
🔴AUQIB NABI TROUBLES VIRAT KOHLI & ROHIT SHARMA🤯 - Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma batted for a long time in the nets. - Auqib Nabi looked on fire and tested India's batting stalwarts. - Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul also got a decent hit. - Shubman Gill was absent from the nets as he attended a gym session. - Gurnoor Brar & Anshul Kamboj were the other two bowlers.
— Sam (@cricsam02) November 1, 2026
Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj join Auqib Nabi to trouble Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Nabi was not the only bowler who made life difficult for India's senior batters. Gurnoor Brar used his height to generate extra bounce and forced the batters to be careful against short-pitched deliveries.
Anshul Kamboj also bowled with good control and maintained a tight line throughout the session. Amid this, Rishabh Pant ruled out of 3rd unofficial Test against New Zealand A, doubtful for 1st Test.
The three young pacers worked together to create pressure on the experienced batting group. Their performance made the practice session a useful test for India ahead of the ODI series.
Prasidh Krishna's injury opens door for Auqib Nabi for New Zealand ODI series
Nabi has been added to India's ODI squad for the first three matches against New Zealand as a replacement for injured Prasidh Krishna. He recently impressed with his bowling during the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Lincoln.
His performance in Auckland has now given him another opportunity to catch the attention of the team management. Nabi made his ODI debut last month against the West Indies at Guwahati but conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs.
The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had said in an official release: “The right-arm pacer, who was initially in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs of the series, will be a part of the Indian squad from the start of the ODI series.”
