Srinagar: The dream has taken another step closer for Jammu and Kashmir’s pace sensation Auqib Nabi.
After being named in India’s Test squad earlier this year without getting an opportunity to make his international debut, Nabi has now earned his maiden call-up to the Indian ODI squad for the three-match home series against the West Indies.
But for the J&K pacer, the biggest question now is not about making the squad.
It is about making the playing XI.
Nabi’s selection comes at an interesting point in his career. He is currently playing county cricket for Surrey in England, where he has continued to impress with his pace and wicket-taking ability. His latest performance saw him claim a four-wicket haul, providing another timely reminder of his form just as the Indian selectors announced the ODI squad.
India’s 15-member squad includes Nabi alongside Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar as specialist fast-bowling options. Nitish Kumar Reddy also provides a seam-bowling option as an all-rounder.
That leaves Nabi with genuine competition for a place in the final XI.
The Test disappointment is still fresh
Nabi’s latest call-up will inevitably bring back memories of his previous India selection.
The J&K pacer was included in India’s Test squad earlier this year after a stunning domestic season, but despite being part of the team, he did not make the playing XI.
For a player who had worked his way into the national setup through performances for Jammu and Kashmir, it was a significant moment — and a frustrating one.
Now, the ODI format has presented another opportunity.
This time, Nabi will enter the squad with the benefit of additional experience gained in English county cricket.
Surrey stint strengthens his case
Nabi’s current county stint with Surrey has added another dimension to his credentials.
Playing in English conditions has given the J&K seamer an opportunity to bowl against experienced professional batters and adapt to conditions different from those on the Indian domestic circuit.
His latest four-wicket haul for Surrey has only strengthened the impression that he is in good rhythm.
The timing could hardly be better.
An impressive county spell followed by an India ODI call-up has put Nabi firmly in the spotlight.
But will India play him?
That is where things become interesting.
India already have Mohammed Siraj, an established international fast bowler, while Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar are also part of the squad.
Nabi therefore has to compete for one of the available pace positions.
At the same time, India’s combination could change depending on conditions in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and New Chandigarh.
If India opt for a pace-heavy attack, Nabi’s ability to swing the ball and bowl effectively in different phases could strengthen his case.
The selectors may also be tempted to look at the series as an opportunity to assess players who could contribute to India’s ODI plans beyond the immediate assignment.
India are already looking towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the West Indies series comes amid a wider period of squad rotation caused partly by the Asian Games.
That could potentially create an opening for Nabi.
But a call-up does not automatically mean a debut.
Three matches, three opportunities
The three-match series could be particularly significant for Nabi.
The opening ODI is scheduled for September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30 and the third in New Chandigarh on October 3.
With three matches available, India have the option of retaining a settled bowling combination or rotating players across the series.
For Nabi, even being handed one opportunity could change the trajectory of his career.
And his recent form means he enters the squad with a strong performance behind him.
From 60 Ranji wickets to India’s doorstep
Nabi’s selection is not a sudden development.
His rise gathered considerable momentum during the 2025-26 domestic season, when he was among the leading wicket-takers for Jammu and Kashmir and played a major role in their historic Ranji Trophy campaign.
He subsequently earned recognition at the national level, first through the India setup and now with his maiden ODI call-up.
His move to Surrey has added another important chapter.
The journey is now remarkably clear:
Jammu and Kashmir cricket → outstanding Ranji season → India Test squad → Surrey county cricket → India ODI squad.
Only one major box remains to be ticked.
India debut.
J&K will be watching
For Jammu and Kashmir cricket, Nabi’s selection is another landmark moment.
The excitement around his selection is likely to continue until the playing XI is announced for the first ODI.
Will the selectors hand the ball to the J&K pacer?
Will he have to wait again?
And if he does get the opportunity, can he turn his first international appearance into the beginning of a longer India career?
Those questions will only be answered when the teams walk out in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
For now, however, Auqib Nabi has done everything that has been asked of him.
He has performed in domestic cricket.
He has forced his way into the national conversation.
He has experienced the disappointment of being selected for India without making his debut.
He has moved to county cricket and continued taking wickets.
And now he has earned another India call-up.
The next step is perhaps the biggest one yet: getting that first India cap.
