Prasidh Krishna’s hamstring injury during the West Indies home series leaves India scrambling, but the board has decided to slot fast bowler Auqib Nabi into the ODI lineup from the opening match on November 4.
Nabi, who was originally earmarked for the fourth and fifth games, will now be available from the very first over of the series, giving India a lethal swing option when the New Zealand XI looks to polish its attack.
The move is a calculated gamble: it gives the pacer a chance to pick up a wicket early, while the rest of the squad—led by Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—can focus on setting a platform in the chase.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy will remain a one‑off for the first ODI before heading to the India A squad for the final four‑day game, ensuring he gets a taste of conditions before the Test series that starts on November 19.
With Nabi now in the mix, India eyes a 3‑0 lead before the final two ODIs and a chance to carry the momentum into the Test series against the Kiwis.