Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has questioned Auqib Nabi’s chances of featuring in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. His comments came after the Jammu and Kashmir pacer earned his maiden ODI call-up for India’s three-match home series against the West Indies, starting September 27.
Nabi received his opportunity after frontline pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were selected for the 2026 Asian Games during the same window. With the two senior quicks unavailable, the selectors included the 29-year-old pacer in a bowling attack led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Wasim Jaffer Questions Auqib Nabi’s 2027 World Cup Chances
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer said Auqib Nabi is unlikely to feature in the selectors’ plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup at this stage. However, he added that a strong performance against the West Indies could change the pacer’s position in the pecking order.
“I don't think he (Nabi) will be in the selectors' thought process for the World Cup at this stage. However, if he gets an opportunity in this series and performs well, he could put his name forward through his performances. That might give the selectors a bit of a headache, but it depends on how many opportunities he gets here and how he performs. At this stage, though, I don't think he will be in the World Cup plans.”
Auqib Nabi Specialises in Red-Ball Cricket - Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer also stated that Auqib Nabi has primarily established himself as a red-ball bowler and suggested that the selectors are likely to rely on more established white-ball options.
“I don't think they would put that much responsibility on him because he specialises in red-ball cricket. I'm not saying he cannot perform well in white-ball cricket, but I think the selectors will probably be looking at Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. Perhaps Hardik Pandya will also be fit by then.”
Nabi has taken 56 wickets in 36 List A matches at an average of 27.37, with an economy rate of 5.20 and a strike rate of 31.55. His best figures in the format are 4/39. He has also contributed 572 runs with the bat, including a century.
Wasim Jaffer Surprised by Auqib Nabi’s India ODI Selection
Wasim Jaffer also admitted that Auqib Nabi’s inclusion in the ODI squad surprised him, particularly because of the pacer’s List A record. He also raised the possibility of the call-up affecting Nabi’s chances of featuring in India’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
“I'm a little surprised because Auqib Nabi's performances in white-ball cricket, particularly in ODIs, haven't been that impressive. But I hope he hasn't been given this opportunity in the ODI squad at the expense of his chances of playing in the New Zealand Test series. I hope this isn't the case with the Indian team, where being selected in any format is a great credit and a huge honour for a player, which goes without saying. However, I hope he doesn't miss out on the New Zealand Test series.”
India are scheduled to play two Tests against New Zealand, with the series beginning on November 19. Nabi was previously included in the Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Bumrah. He did not feature in either of the two Tests.
