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In the run-fest at the Barsapara cricket stadium, Auqib Nabi returned with a poor bowling figure. In the second ODI of the three-match series, the Indian team management surprisingly handed the Raji Trophy 2025-26 highest wicket-taker his debut cap.
The India vs West Indies ODI match in Guwahati was Auqib Nani's debut match for the India National Cricket Team. Apart from receiving the cap, nothing was in favor of the pacer. He returned to the pavilion after the first innings of the match without taking a wicket but conceding 84 runs in 8.5 overs.
Should Team India drop Auqib Nabi from the India vs West Indies 3rd ODI?
It was not only Auqib who leaked runs on the flat deck of Guwahati; India and West Indies both teams edged past the 400-run mark in their respective innings. Should the Indian cricket team drop Auqib Nabi from the playing eleven for the third ODI of the match? The question remains despite India's 8-wicket win, chasing 406.
Amid a lot of factors between Nabi and the India vs West Indies third ODI match in New Chandigarh, former Team India opener Aakash Chopra makes a huge remark. During a discussion on Cricinfo, Chopra backed Nabi as the fate of the series has already been confirmed.
As India claimed wins in two consecutive matches, the third, which is the final match of the series, has turned into a dead rubber. So, in a dead rubber, there is no harm in offering Auqib Nabi another match in the format.
Aakash Chopra on Auqib Nabi's bowling style
Aakash Chopra noted that Nabi's bowling might not be best for white-ball formats, but could do well in red-ball cricket, in Tests. Matches across the white-ball formats are often played on flat decks where bowlers barely get anything from the pitches.
"Auqib Nabi, my thoughts before the game at Guwahati are the same as they are now - that his bowling style might be suited a bit more for red-ball cricket. These white-ball cricket conditions specifically are not ideal for him because they are just flat decks," Aakash Chopra said during the discussion.
Aakash Chopra supports Auqib Nabi ahead of India vs West Indies 3rd ODI
Further in the discussion, Aakash Chopra stated that if the matches were in New Zealand, where a seamer could get assistance from the decks, he could have preferred to play Aujla. But in India, on the hard surfaces, it could be a hard job for him. But still, the former Indian cricketer mentioned that Nabi has batting skills. So, he backed Nabi for another match.
"If it was New Zealand, I would have a slightly different opinion. But in India, it is a tough ask. But having said that, you played him a game. Everybody got carted for runs last match. He also leaked a lot of runs. You played him because he can bat at number eight. Now, don't dismiss that philosophy. So, once you have played him, you play him another game," Chopra added.
