Wasim Jaffer expresses surprise over Auqib Nabi Dar’s selection for NZ vs IND 2026 ODIs

Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer expressed surprise after Auqib Nabi Dar was added to India’s squad. Dar has replaced injured Prasidh Krishna for the first three games. Initially, Dar was named in the squad for the fourth and fifth games.

The fast bowler had a tough ODI debut against the West Indies while playing in the home conditions. Dar conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs on his debut at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel, “For me, it is quite surprising that he (Auqib Nabi) has been given an opportunity in the 50-over format. I was very, very disappointed that he wasn’t picked for the Test matches. We know that he isn’t really a white-ball bowler. He is a red-ball bowler, and the New Zealand series would have been perfect for him to make his Test debut.

Jaffer said Dar deserves opportunity in the Test team rather than the ODI team.

“When someone has performed so well, and considering that he isn’t particularly experienced in the 50-over format, I feel he deserved an opportunity in the Test team rather than the ODI team. Anyway, getting selected for the Indian team is always an honour, and that is certainly true,” he added.

The former domestic giant highlighted that there are fewer chances of Nabi getting his chance in the playing XI.

“I think it will probably be difficult for him to make the first XI initially. He won’t be the first choice for the opening matches. Maybe if we win the series early or if something happens, he could get an opportunity. But I don’t think he will get a chance at the start.”

India will next take on New Zealand in a five-match ODI series, starting Wednesday.