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Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has made his ODI debut for India after receiving his maiden India cap from KL Rahul ahead of the second ODI against West Indies.
The debut came on September 30, 2026, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Nabi was greeted with warm hugs from his teammates as he joined India's ODI players' list.
Auqib Nabi makes India ODI debut against West Indies before Test debut
Nabi received his ODI call-up in the absence of Harshit Rana as India looked for a pace option who could also contribute with the bat lower down the order.
Interestingly, Nabi has made his ODI debut before playing a Test for India despite having stronger first-class numbers than his List A record. He has 170 wickets in 45 first-class matches, while he has taken 56 wickets in 36 List A games.
His international debut marks another step in a career that has seen him emerge as a pace-bowling all-round option.
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Shubman Gill confirms Auqib Nabi's inclusion in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy
India captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Auqib Nabi's ODI debut in the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati. He stated that Nabi has been brought into the playing XI in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy as India make one change to the team that won the series opener.
Gill explained that the Barsapara Cricket Stadium surface has more grass than the previous venue, which could offer early assistance to the fast bowlers. He also admitted that India's fielding can improve after the team came under pressure during the opening stages of the first ODI. Speaking at the toss, Gill said:
"We're gonna bowl first. [On the Guwahati surface and the extra grass compared to the previous venue] Yeah, a bit more grass, and looks a little bit patchy at times. So I think there'll be a little bit more for the fast bowlers initially."
"Yeah, definitely. I think it was, after being put under pressure in the first 20-25 overs, the way we came back was really good. And I think it's even more humid and even more hotter here, so I think it's gonna be a good challenge for our fast bowlers."
Gill also highlighted the importance of intensity in the field, particularly during the middle overs.
"Yeah, definitely. I think the intensity in the field in the middle overs is what dictates the game, and I think that is one area where I thought we could have been a little bit better in the last game. So hopefully I think this game is going to be a bit better."
Also, Shubman Gill backed India's top order to continue its good form, including Rohit Sharma.
"Yeah, I think everyone looked well. Even Rohit bhai was looking in good touch, so hopefully it's gonna be another good game for us. We've got one change - Auqib Nabi makes his debut in place of Nitish."
India vs West Indies Playing XI for 2nd ODI
West Indies (Playing XI): John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul(w), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna
