'Pace is good, but skills matter': Auqib Nabi on adapting to New Zealand conditions

Auqib Nabi (Image credit: TimesofIndia.com)

NEW DELHI: India pacer Auqib Nabi believes that having pace is an advantage, but trusting one's skills is equally important. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer says he will stick to the methods that brought him success in domestic cricket as he prepares for the fourth ODI against New Zealand.Nabi had a quiet start to the five-match series, returning figures of 0/33 in the first ODI, which India won by five wickets (DLS method).He bounced back in the second match, dismissing New Zealand openers Will Young and Tim Seifert to help India register a four-run victory (DLS method).

The third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned due to rain, with India leading the series 2-0. The fourth match will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday."Having pace is good but I back my skills. I will do what I have been doing and what has brought me here. I will just do what I did in domestic cricket, and that will help me here too," Nabi said during the press conference ahead of the fourth ODI.

Learning to bowl in New Zealand conditions

Playing his first series in New Zealand, Nabi knows that he will need to adapt to the conditions. The pacer believes that seam movement will be important, as batters can deal with swing bowling.

"It is my first time in New Zealand. You need to rely more on seam here. Use scrambled seam because swing can be dealt with," he said.Nabi also highlighted the importance of bowling with discipline, particularly on good batting pitches where bowlers can easily leak runs."You need to bowl well no matter how good or flat the pitches are. When wickets are good, you need to bowl with discipline because you can go for runs," he said."We keep discussing amongst ourselves about plans for drop-in pitches. With Arshdeep and Anshul both," he said."Weather back home and here is similar. Opposition and level of cricket is different," he said.

From Ranji Trophy success to India colours

Known as the 'Baramulla Express', Nabi earned his place in the Indian team through consistent performances in domestic cricket.The Jammu and Kashmir pacer picked up 104 wickets across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 Ranji Trophy seasons.

His standout performance came in the 2025-26 season, when he picked 60 wickets in 17 innings at an average of 12.65. His efforts played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title. He was also named Player of the Tournament.

Nabi admitted that he had expected a Test call-up before getting an opportunity in white-ball cricket. However, he believes the current experience will help him when he gets another chance in the red-ball format."I was expecting a red-ball call-up before white-ball cricket, but this experience will also be very helpful. And then also staying with the Test team," he said."Very happy to play for India. Khelna India ke liye bahut badi baat hai. Mera bhi wohi tha," he added."Whenever people say about facilities, I always say do your best and things will fall in place," the pacer said.