SportsPosted at: Nov 12 2026 6:13PM


Wasn't expecting my first call to be in white ball: Auqib Nabi on India debut

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Auqib Nabi hoped for a Test call-up before making his India debut in white-ball cricket, but the Jammu and Kashmir pacer is determined to make the most of his first international assignment in New Zealand, where he is currently part of the squad as a net bowler ahead of the two-Test series beginning November 19.
Having played a key role in J&K’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, Nabi admitted that his first India call-up came in a format he had not anticipated. He made his ODI debut against New Zealand and picked up two wickets in the second match at Wellington.
“If you look at my white ball record in domestic, it is good. To be honest, I wasn't expecting my first call to be in white ball. I was expecting it to be in red ball. Nonetheless, it's a good opportunity for me to show my skills,” he said.
Despite having hoped to begin his international journey in Test cricket, Nabi described representing India as a huge honour and said he wanted to inspire youngsters from regions where cricketing facilities remain limited.
“It is indeed a huge honour to play for India. Anyone who takes up cricket, regardless of region, aims to play for the country; that was my goal as well. Whenever someone mentions a lack of facilities, I tell them to work as hard as they can with whatever limited facilities they have. Hard work is the only thing in a player's hands; everything else eventually falls into place. So I tell them (youngsters) to keep working hard, no matter what,” he said.
The New Zealand tour has also offered Nabi an opportunity to experience conditions that differ from those he is accustomed to in domestic cricket.
“This is my first time bowling in New Zealand,” he said, adding that seam movement assumes greater importance in these conditions.
“It is a little different here. Here, you have to depend more on the seam movement. If you bowl scramble seam or hit the deck here, there is a chance to get more here,” he said.
Nabi stressed that maintaining discipline and hitting the right areas remained essential, irrespective of the nature of the surface.
“Whatever wicket you are playing on, whether it is a helping or a flat wicket. Your motive is to put the ball in good areas. And hopefully, when there is help from the wicket, you have to put a lot of attention in that as well. You can go for runs if you are not disciplined,”
He also pointed to the discussions among the bowling group about adapting to New Zealand's drop-in pitches.
“We discuss with the bowlers as to how to bowl on a particular wicket. And here, because there are a lot of drop-in wickets in New Zealand.,” he said.
Nabi said he wanted to remain composed and let his performances do the talking.
“Yes, that's what I want (being calm). I want to do my job quietly, and show my skills on the field with my batting and bowling,” he said.
With opportunities for newcomers to stake a claim ahead of the next World Cup, Nabi sees the tour as an important platform.
“It is a good opportunity for all the newcomers to show their talent and make their case for the World Cup,” he said.UNI TB AAB
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