Auqib Nabi leaves Virat Kohli frustrated with fiery spell in Auckland nets

Auqib Nabi Tests Virat Kohli in Auckland Nets Ahead of India–New Zealand ODI Series

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have returned to training ahead of India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand, but it was young fast bowler Auqib Nabi who became one of the main talking points at Eden Park. During a practice session in Auckland on Sunday, November 1, Nabi used movement and accuracy to challenge India’s senior batters as they prepared for the opening match, scheduled for November 4.

The session offered a valuable early look at the conditions India may encounter in New Zealand. With the series opener set to be played at Eden Park, the visiting batters are working to adjust to the ground, the local atmosphere and the movement available to seamers. Nabi, alongside Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj, helped create a demanding test in the nets for Kohli, Rohit and their teammates.

Auqib Nabi’s swing keeps Kohli on his toes

Nabi stood out for his ability to move the ball in both directions. Reports from the session said the Jammu and Kashmir pacer repeatedly challenged Kohli’s outside edge, while sharp deliveries angling back towards the batter struck his pads and thigh pads. The movement made it difficult for the former India captain to settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Kohli also produced some fluent strokes during the extended net session, showing the intent and timing that have made him one of India’s most dependable ODI batters. But Nabi ensured that the practice was not simply a chance to find his touch. The bowler kept testing him with changes of angle and length, forcing Kohli to make frequent adjustments.

Being beaten in the nets is part of the preparation process, particularly when batters are facing bowlers who are trying to recreate the challenges of an upcoming match. Kohli appeared frustrated at moments after the ball passed his bat, but continued working through the session. That persistence is significant: practice against swing and bounce can help a batter sharpen footwork and decision-making before facing a new-ball attack in a competitive setting.

Brar and Kamboj add bounce and control

Nabi was not the only young bowler to make an impression. Gurnoor Brar used his height to generate extra bounce, making the Indian batters stay alert against short-pitched deliveries. Anshul Kamboj, meanwhile, maintained a disciplined line and length, limiting opportunities to score freely.

The three pacers offered contrasting challenges: Nabi’s movement, Brar’s bounce and Kamboj’s control. For Kohli and Rohit, that variety made the training session more useful than facing a single style of bowling. It also gave the young bowlers an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of India’s senior players and coaching staff.

Rohit also spent considerable time batting in the nets, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul got useful practice. Shubman Gill was absent from the session, reportedly attending a gym workout. The training group’s work reflected the different demands of a series opener, with batters balancing technical preparation against the need to manage their physical workload.

Rohit and Kohli’s familiar partnership draws attention

Alongside the bowling contest, Kohli and Rohit’s presence together in Auckland brought a warm response from fans. The two experienced batters have shared many major moments in India’s white-ball cricket, and their familiar partnership remains a source of interest whenever they prepare for a new assignment.

Their preparation will be closely watched as India look to build a strong start to the series. Both players bring extensive experience of international cricket, but conditions in New Zealand can present a distinct challenge, particularly early in an innings. A productive net session against bowlers who can move the ball and generate bounce may therefore prove useful before the first ODI.

Injury replacement gives Nabi a chance to impress

Nabi is part of India’s ODI squad for the first three matches after being called up to replace the injured Prasidh Krishna. He had originally been included for the fourth and fifth ODIs, but the injury opened the door for him to join the squad from the start of the series.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the change in an official statement, saying that the right-arm pacer, initially selected for the final two matches, would now be available from the beginning of the ODI series. The selection gives Nabi an opportunity to make a case for a larger role, although his place in the playing XI will depend on the team’s plans, conditions and the fitness of other bowlers.

The 2026 opportunity follows a mixed international start for Nabi. He made his ODI debut against the West Indies in Guwahati last month, conceding 84 runs in 8.5 overs. That first outing was a demanding introduction to international cricket, but it does not define his potential. His recent bowling efforts for India A, including an appearance in the first unofficial Test against Australia A in Lincoln, have provided further chances to develop and build confidence.

What the Auckland practice session could mean for India

For India, the session was useful preparation rather than a prediction of how the ODI series will unfold. Net performances do not guarantee match selection or success, but they can reveal how players are adapting to conditions and which bowlers are finding rhythm. Nabi’s ability to trouble Kohli with swing will be encouraging for the young pacer, while the challenge may help India’s batters prepare for New Zealand’s seam attack.

The opening match at Eden Park will provide a clearer measure of how the surface and weather affect the contest. India’s experienced batting core will be expected to set the tone, while the team management will assess whether Nabi’s recent form and net-session performance justify an opportunity in the playing XI. Brar and Kamboj, too, will hope their work in Auckland strengthens their prospects.

As the India–New Zealand ODI series approaches, attention will naturally focus on the established stars. Yet Nabi’s lively spell in the nets has added an intriguing subplot: a young fast bowler using a high-profile practice session to test one of the game’s leading batters. Whether that performance translates into a match opportunity remains to be seen, but it has made the build-up to the first ODI more compelling.