Auqib Nabi made his One Day International debut for India on September 30, 2026, in the second ODI against the West Indies at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer received his maiden India cap from KL Rahul before the match and replaced all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI.
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to field first. Gill confirmed Nabi’s inclusion at the toss, saying, ‘We have got one change – Auqib Nabi makes his debut in place of Nitish.’
With this cap, Nabi becomes the third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India in international cricket, following Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik.
A Domestic Season That Forced Selection
Nabi earned his call-up on the back of two outstanding Ranji Trophy campaigns. He claimed 104 wickets across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons for Jammu and Kashmir.
His 2025-26 season was particularly dominant. Nabi finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 60 wickets in 17 innings at an average of 12.65. He played a central role in Jammu and Kashmir winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title and was named Player of the Tournament.
In first-class cricket overall, Nabi has taken 170 wickets in 45 matches. His List A record stands at 56 wickets from 36 games with an economy of 5.20.
His performances also earned him a contract with Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.4 crore at the 2026 IPL auction, making him the highest-priced cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir in the league’s history.
From Baramulla to the National Team
Nabi, born on November 4, 1996, in Baramulla, is a right-arm medium pacer known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain a disciplined line and length. He is popularly known as the ‘Baramulla Express.’
His journey to the national team included several setbacks. Nabi reportedly faced rejections at the Under-19 level over a period of two to three years before earning selection. He did not own cricket spikes for his first Under-19 trial and borrowed a pair from a senior player.
Nabi previously received a call-up to India’s Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka in August 2026 as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah but did not play. He was also part of the India A setup against Sri Lanka A in June 2026, where he picked up six wickets in two matches.
Conditions and Playing XI
Gill noted that the Barsapara pitch had ‘a bit more grass’ and looked ‘a little bit patchy,’ suggesting early assistance for fast bowlers.
Nabi’s inclusion adds a specialist swing-bowling option to an attack featuring Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Kuldeep Yadav. India entered the match leading the three-match series 1-0 after an eight-wicket victory in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram.
India’s playing XI for the second ODI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (w), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna.
West Indies made four changes to their lineup. Their playing XI: John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (w/c), Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Vitel Lawes.
Nabi’s inclusion in the playing XI means he will miss Jammu and Kashmir’s Irani Cup clash against Rest of India, which begins Thursday at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. The third and final ODI of the series is scheduled for October 3 in New Chandigarh.
