Auqib Nabi Reveals 'Feedback' From Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli And Shubman Gill Before 4th ODI vs New Zealand

India pacer Auqib Nabi has revealed that senior batters Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill advised him to focus on seam movement rather than swing while bowling with the white ball in New Zealand, believing that top-level batters are skilled enough to handle conventional swing. Nabi, 30, has claimed two wickets in his first four ODIs, both coming during India's rain-affected victory over New Zealand in Wellington. Before the series, he impressed for India A against New Zealand A in Lincoln with figures of 3/69 and 3/28.

"This is my first time bowling in New Zealand, so the conditions are a little different. You have to rely more on seam movement because top-level batters can play swing well. That was the feedback from Rohit bhai, Virat bhai and Shubman. If you bowl a scrambled-seam delivery or hit the deck hard, there is a greater chance of taking wickets here," Nabi said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the fourth ODI.

Nabi fulfilled a long-held dream when he made his India debut in the second ODI against the West Indies in September. Although he endured a difficult outing on a flat surface in Guwahati, conceding 84 runs without taking a wicket, he has looked far more comfortable in New Zealand's seam-friendly conditions.

The Jammu & Kashmir pacer said the weather and surfaces in New Zealand were similar to those he has encountered at home.

"The weather is quite similar because we experience comparable conditions back home as well. The main difference is the level of opposition. International cricket is different from domestic cricket, but the wickets are quite similar," he said.

Nabi also credited India's domestic structure for helping him make a smooth transition to international cricket.

"Domestic cricket in India is played at a very high standard. If you perform there consistently, it usually helps when you step up. It has definitely benefited me a lot."

Despite not possessing express pace, Nabi said he remains confident in the skills that earned him an India call-up.

"Of course, having extra pace is always an advantage. But I back my skills. I have performed well with them in domestic cricket, and I believe those strengths will help me at this level too."

The right-arm seamer stressed that discipline remains the key on any surface.

"Whether the pitch is helpful or flat, your job is to bowl in the right areas. Even when conditions favour bowlers, a lack of discipline can still result in giving away runs."

Nabi also revealed that India's bowlers regularly exchange ideas, particularly about adapting to New Zealand's drop-in pitches.

"We are constantly discussing conditions among ourselves. Arshdeep, Anshul and the other bowlers talk about the kinds of deliveries that work on these surfaces and the lengths we should be targeting."

The 30-year-old admitted that his white-ball call-up came as a surprise, having initially expected opportunities in red-ball cricket.

"To be honest, I wasn't expecting a white-ball call-up. I thought my opportunity would come in red-ball cricket. But I see this as a great chance to showcase my skills."

Nabi described representing India as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition and believes the current series provides young players with an opportunity to strengthen their claims for a place in the 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

"Playing for India has always been my dream. This series is a good opportunity for all the newcomers to show their talent and put themselves in contention for future World Cups."

He also offered encouragement to aspiring cricketers from regions with limited infrastructure.

"People often tell me they don't have enough facilities. I always tell them that the most important thing is hard work. No matter what facilities you have, if you work hard enough, everything else eventually falls into place."

Nabi will remain with the squad for the upcoming two-Test series beginning on November 19 and believes the experience will aid his development as a cricketer.

"It's a great learning opportunity. Staying with the Test squad and being around experienced players will help all of us improve and understand the demands of red-ball cricket better," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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