Sportstar·India·Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 05:57 AM UTC

Backing my skills learned in domestic cricket to make a mark in ODIs: Auqib Nabi

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Auqib Nabi said he relies on seam and swing movement to make an impact in New Zealand conditions. | Photo Credit: AP

Auqib Nabi said he relies on seam and swing movement to make an impact in New Zealand conditions. | Photo Credit: AP

Extra pace has its benefits, but Indian pacer Auqib Nabi says he is relying more on seam movement and skills acquired over the years in the domestic circuit to make a mark in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand.

Nabi, who has played three ODIs after making a forgettable debut against the West Indies at home, relies on movement in the air and off the pitch to fox the batters. He bowls in the 130kmph range.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the fourth ODI against the Black Caps here, Nabi was asked if he plans to increase his pace. India leads 2-0 in the series after the third match was washed out.

“Obviously, if you have the pace, it’s very good. But my skill, I back that. I have done well in domestic cricket. Here, I have come on skill. If there is pace, it is a plus factor. But I back my skill. What I did well in domestic will be useful here as well,” said Nabi.

Nabi has got the opportunity to bowl in the nets to the trio of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the tour of New Zealand. He bowled to them extensively on Thursday.

Also read | New Zealand squads for 4th, 5th ODIs vs India

“Actually, this is my first time putting a ball in New Zealand. So, it is a little different here. Here, you have to depend more on the seam movement. Because the top level batsmen play swing. So, that was their feedback (the trio).

“Here, if you do scramble seam or hit the deck, there is a chance to get more wickets here. That is what they told me,” added Nabi on his conversations with the high-profile top-order batters.

He will be staying back to help the team’s preparations ahead of the two-Test series beginning November 19.

Published on Nov 12, 2026

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