Business · India Bureau
Nabi Backs Domestic Skills Over Pace in New Zealand ODI Series
Indian pacer Auqib Nabi believes his seam movement and domestic cricket experience will be more valuable than raw pace in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The 130kmph bowler has featured in three internationals since his debut against the West Indies.
LSN India ·
Auqib Nabi is banking on the craft he has honed in India's domestic circuit rather than relying solely on pace as he looks to make an impact in the ODI series against New Zealand.
The 22-year-old pacer, who bowls at speeds around 130kmph, emphasizes that seam movement and control have been central to his success at the domestic level. Nabi has played three ODIs following a difficult debut against the West Indies at home.
"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," Nabi said ahead of the fourth ODI against the Black Caps.
India holds a 2-0 lead in the series, with the third match being washed out. Nabi's approach reflects a broader reliance on movement in the air and off the pitch to deceive batters, a technique refined through years of competing in domestic tournaments.
During the tour, Nabi has had the opportunity to bowl in the nets against India's senior batsmen, including Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, providing valuable exposure at the international level.