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India vs New Zealand: Pacers Preferred As Auqib Nabi Faces Test Selection Setback
By CricShots - Sep 2, 2026 1:05 pm
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Auqib Nabi’s hopes of earning a place in India’s Test squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour appear to have suffered a setback, with the BCCI and team management reportedly leaning towards experienced fast bowlers for the crucial overseas assignment. According to a report by Dainik Jagran, India are considering travelling with at least five specialist fast bowlers for the Test series, but Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is currently unlikely to be part of the group.

Auqib Nabi
Auqib Nabi

The final combination, however, could depend heavily on the fitness of several established pacers. Nabi’s recent stint with Surrey County Cricket Club had raised expectations that the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy’s leading wicket-taker could be considered for the New Zealand Tests. The Jammu and Kashmir seamer has joined Surrey for three County Championship Division One matches against Yorkshire, Sussex and Glamorgan.

The move provides Nabi with valuable exposure to English conditions and high-level red-ball cricket. It could also help him gain experience of bowling in overseas conditions ahead of a potential India call-up in the future. Reports have suggested that the BCCI played an active role in facilitating Nabi’s county stint.

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However, the latest report suggests that India’s selectors are currently prioritising international experience. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep are reportedly among the preferred pace options for the New Zealand Test series.

Fitness remains a major factor before the squad is finalised. Akash Deep is yet to regain full fitness, while Bumrah is working towards obtaining clearance from the BCCI medical team. Any changes in their availability could force the selectors to reconsider their pace-bowling combination..

Mohammed Siraj’s recent workload and pace will also be monitored closely. The fast bowler has regularly operated above 140 kmph in the IPL, but during India’s recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka, there were instances when his pace dropped below 130 kmph.

That could be an important concern ahead of the New Zealand Tests. Conditions in New Zealand have traditionally offered assistance to seam and swing bowlers, making the pace attack one of the most important components of India’s strategy. India’s multi-format tour of New Zealand is scheduled to begin with a five-match T20I series on October 22, with the final game on November 1. The five-match ODI series will then take place from November 4 to November 15.

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The two-match Test series will follow, with matches scheduled between November 19 and December 1. The Tests will be particularly significant for India’s campaign in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. For Auqib Nabi, missing out on the New Zealand Test squad would be disappointing after his outstanding domestic season. However, his County Championship experience with Surrey could strengthen his case for future international selection

Tags Auqib NabiBCCIindiaIndian cricket teamNew ZealandNew Zealand tourpacersTest selection