Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is reportedly in line to replace Prasidh Krishna in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, after the latter failed to recover fully from a hamstring injury.
Nabi, who has already made his India debut, has strengthened his credentials with impressive performances in domestic cricket and the recent unofficial red-ball matches between India A and New Zealand A. His potential inclusion would provide another opportunity for the Jammu and Kashmir pacer to contribute at the international level.
Prasidh, meanwhile, is continuing his rehabilitation after sustaining the hamstring injury during the ODI series against the West Indies. Despite stepping up his training, the 30-year-old has yet to receive fitness clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence (CoE).
According to reports, Prasidh is scheduled to undergo match simulations on November 1 and 2, putting his availability for the opening ODI in Auckland on November 4 in doubt.
The second and third ODIs are scheduled for November 7 and 10, respectively. However, his participation in those matches will depend on his recovery and the medical team’s assessment.
Auqib Nabi Emerges as Replacement Option
Nabi’s recent performances for India A against New Zealand A have kept him in the spotlight as India assess their fast-bowling options for the upcoming series.
The Jammu and Kashmir pacer has built a reputation through his domestic performances and has already crossed the milestone of representing India. A possible inclusion in the ODI squad would add to his international experience while giving the selectors another option in the pace department.
His reported emergence as Prasidh’s replacement also highlights the growing presence of Jammu and Kashmir cricketers in the national setup.
An official confirmation of the squad change is awaited.
Prasidh’s fitness remains important with India preparing for a two-Test series against New Zealand, which carries significant implications for their World Test Championship qualification hopes.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill are understood to be keen to have the pacer available for the longer format. Given the importance of the Tests, the team management may avoid risking his recovery during the preceding ODIs.
The BCCI’s October 16 announcement had made Prasidh’s selection for the first three ODIs conditional on fitness clearance. He was not named for the final two matches.
If cleared, he could also be considered for the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, scheduled from November 6 to 9.
With Prasidh’s fitness still uncertain, Nabi could provide India with an alternative as preparations continue for the New Zealand series.
