Big blow to India, star pacer set to be ruled out of ODI series vs NZ, Auqib Nabi to walk in as replacement: Reports

"Prasidh is recovering well and he has his match simulation and fitness test lined up at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on November 1 and 2. In any case, the team management as well as national selection committee believes that Prasidh should be fully ready for Tests where he is required more than ODIs," said a BCCI source.

The decision to hold him back from the New Zealand ODIs aligns with the team management’s priority to have him completely fit for the subsequent two-match Test series.

Why Prasidh Krishna is vital to India’s strategy

Prasidh Krishna’s absence has certainly left head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selection panel scratching their heads amidst the injury scares which Team India is facing. Standing tall with an ability to generate steep bounce off a length, Prasidh provides a distinct skill set that sets him apart from standard fast-bowling options. He was initially named for the opening three ODIs, subject to fitness clearance. 

Workload Relief for Jasprit Bumrah: With Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being meticulously managed in the lead-up to ODI World Cup 2027, India require reliable, high-quality pacers capable of leading the attack in white-ball cricket.

X-Factor for Overseas Conditions: Prasidh’s height and hit-the-deck style make him an indispensable asset for bouncy surfaces, particularly for upcoming tours such as South Africa, where hard lengths are crucial to success.

Prolific 2026 Form: Prasidh has been India's standout performer in 50-over cricket throughout 2026. No Indian bowler has taken more ODI wickets this calendar year, with Prasidh claiming 16 scalps in 9 outings.

Overall, across 30 ODI innings, Prasidh has taken 53 wickets at an extraordinary strike rate of 27.2, underscoring his potency as a strike bowler in middle and late overs.

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J&K's Auqib Nabi in line for replacement

With Prasidh sidelined for the ODIs, selectors are evaluating replacement options to complement the squad. While Punjab's Gurnoor Brar remains a like-for-like alternative due to his height and pace, Jammu & Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi has emerged as a strong contender following an outstanding run in domestic cricket.

Nabi recently made headlines with a dominant display during the first unofficial red-ball match between India A and New Zealand A in Lincoln. His ability to move the ball late, maintain relentless accuracy, and break key partnerships caught the eye of national selectors watching the tour closely.

Nabi’s call-up discussions stem from years of consistent domestic performances across formats for Jammu & Kashmir:

Red-Ball Form: Outstanding spells in the Ranji Trophy and recent India A fixtures, showcasing exemplary control with both new and old balls.

White-Ball Versatility: Strong performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over format), proving his ability to bowl effectively in restriction overs as well as deep in the death overs.

Fitness & Durability: Known for carrying heavy bowling workloads without dropping speed or accuracy, a trait highly valued by the current coaching setup.

Despite having made his ODI debut during the recent home assignment against the West Indies, Auqib Nabi's international career is still in its infancy with just a single cap to his name. That maiden appearance proved to be a trial by fire, the fast bowler endured a tough day at the office, going wicketless while conceding 84 runs off his 8.5 overs at an elevated economy rate.

However, if given chance, he will have another shot to prove his bowing mettle, which has already proved in the domestic circuit.

Nabi's prolific domestic career

Nabi has established himself as one of the most prolific seamer options in Indian domestic cricket through relentless accuracy, high work ethic, and game-changing spells. Over the years, the right-arm medium-pacer has anchored J&K’s bowling unit across all three formats, accumulating over 170 First-Class wickets at an impressive bowling average under 19. His breakout performances came in the Ranji Trophy, where he consistently dismantled batting lineups with pitch-it-up movement and seam control. In the 2024–25 and 2025–26 domestic red-ball seasons, Nabi proved virtually unplayable on varied surfaces, headlined by a remarkable 7/24 career-best spell against Rajasthan. He made headline news across the country during a Duleep Trophy match, announcing his big-match temperament by taking four wickets in four consecutive balls. Nabi's white-ball domestic credentials are equally solid, with over 50 List A wickets coming at an average of 27.38. His ability to swing the new ball and maintain tight lines in the death overs helped J&K record vital victories in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His domestic dominance eventually earned him a maiden call-up to the Indian team and an overseas stint with Surrey in the County Championship.   

India’s fast-bowling reserves are being tested as the team navigates a busy bilateral schedule. Ensuring Prasidh Krishna achieves 100 per cent fitness before returning to Test cricket remains the primary goal for the BCCI medical team at the Centre of Excellence.