Auqib Nabi, centre, celebrates the wicket of New Zealand player Tim Seifert during the second ODI between India and New Zealand on November 7, 2026, in Wellington, New Zealand.
| 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 lead 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.
“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.
“Staying with the team is always a good experience. We will get to learn a lot,” said Nabi.
Hoped to play red-ball cricket for India first
Nabi, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, is proud to represent India on the international stage. Having helped J&K to their maiden Ranji Trophy title, Nabi expected to play Test cricket before ODIs.
“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.”
The conditions in New Zealand are vastly different from what he experienced in his debut game in India where he conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs.
“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 said.
Nabi said that it is important to discuss game plans with fellow pacers especially in unfamiliar conditions.
“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.”
Nabi is not the most expressive and usually keeps his emotions in check irrespective of how the day pans out for him on the field.
“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 added.
Published – November 13, 2026 12:38 am IST
