India fast bowler
Nabi, who earned his national call-up following a prolific run in domestic cricket, has experienced a productive start to the five-match series. After a quiet opening performance, he made a significant impact in the second ODI by removing New Zealand openers Will Young and Tim Seifert to help secure a narrow four-run victory. With the third match in Hamilton abandoned due to rain, India currently holds a 2-0 series lead heading into Friday's encounter.
Adapting to New Zealand conditions
Reflecting on his first experience playing in New Zealand, Nabi noted that the local pitches require a shift in tactical approach. He highlighted that while pace is a valuable asset, the ability to extract seam movement is more effective than relying solely on swing, which he believes modern batters are well-equipped to handle.
The pacer emphasized the necessity of bowling with discipline, particularly on flatter surfaces where runs can be difficult to contain. He revealed that the bowling unit has been actively discussing plans for drop-in pitches, working closely with teammates Arshdeep and Anshul to refine their strategy. Despite the change in opposition and the higher level of competition compared to the
From domestic dominance to the international stage
Nabi’s rise to the national side follows a standout period in the Ranji Trophy. Known as the 'Baramulla Express', he claimed 104 wickets across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. His performance during the 2025-26 campaign was particularly notable, as he took 60 wickets in 17 innings at an average of 12.65, a feat that proved instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir securing their first-ever Ranji Trophy title and earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
While the pacer admitted he had initially anticipated a call-up to the Test squad before his white-ball debut, he remains focused on the value of his current experience. He expressed his pride in representing India and remains committed to his philosophy of focusing on personal performance regardless of external facilities. As he looks ahead to the remainder of the series, Nabi is confident that the lessons learned in the white-ball format will serve him well in his future cricketing ambitions.
