Auqib Nabi added to India squad for first three ODIs against New Zealand

India's Auqib Nabi (PTI Photo)

India have added fast bowler Auqib Nabi to their squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand, bringing him into the group earlier than initially planned.The right-arm pacer was originally named in the squad for the fourth and fifth matches of the five-game series but will now be available from the opening ODI, starting November 4.

The change comes after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the entire ODI series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent home series against the West Indies. His selection for the New Zealand tour had been subject to fitness clearance.Prasidh, however, remains in contention for the two-Test series against New Zealand. The pacer could be added to the India A squad for the third and final four-day match against New Zealand A, beginning November 7, if he clears his fitness assessment.Pace all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will continue to be part of the ODI squad for the first match before linking up with India A for the third four-day game in Lincoln. The move is aimed at providing him with match practice ahead of the two-Test series, which begins on November 19.

India’s updated ODI squad for the first three ODIs: Shubman Gill [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer [VC], KL Rahul [WK], Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy (only for the first ODI), Auqib Nabi.

India’s ODI squad for fourth and fifth ODIs: Shreyas Iyer [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan [WK, VC], Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav