‘These conditions might be useful for him’ – Ajinkya Rahane expects Auqib Nabi to excel in NZ vs IND ODIs

Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand as the selectors gave the pacer time to recover from a left hamstring injury. Auqib Nabi, who was initially part of the squad for the last two matches, was drafted into the squad for the first three encounters a day after Krishna’s situation was confirmed.

Nabi made his international debut during the ODI series at home against India. However, he conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs without picking up a wicket on his debut and was subsequently dropped from the side. Ajinkya Rahane, however, believes that Nabi could be quite a handful in New Zealand as the conditions will favour his style of bowling.

“Prasidh Krishna is unfortunate that he is going through an injury because he has done well recently in whatever chances he has gotten, whether it’s Tests or ODIs. However, if someone is injured, someone else gets an opportunity. So, it’s an opportunity for Auqib Nabi. These conditions might be useful for him,” Rahane said on SonyLIV.

Why Rahane backs Nabi for New Zealand conditions?

After his India debut, Nabi featured in a four-day match for India A against New Zealand A at Lincoln, where he picked up six wickets across two innings, demonstrating improved form ahead of the ODI series.

Rahane elaborated on why New Zealand’s playing conditions could suit Nabi’s bowling style and highlighted the depth of India’s fast-bowling options for the series. The veteran batter pointed to the swing and seam movement available in New Zealand as factors that could benefit a bowler of Nabi’s skill set.

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“We get to see swing and seam movement in New Zealand, and Auqib Nabi is a seam bowler who bowls consistently in good areas. If you see along with him, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are experienced, Gurnoor Brar has come recently in the team, and Anshul Kamboj is also getting chances recently. All four have an opportunity to do well,” Rahane said.