Sports · Cricket · 12 hrs ago
Aakash Chopra says Auqib Nabi must address lack of pace
Auqib Nabi took two wickets for 31 runs for India in the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington on November 7.
Rain had delayed the match, and the pitch stayed covered, leaving moisture that helped seam bowlers.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra said Nabi used those conditions well by bowling in the right areas.
But New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell charged down the pitch and hit Nabi down the ground.
Chopra identified Nabi's lack of pace as a limitation when batters attack him that way.
He said Nabi needs to work on his pace and have a plan for batters who come down the pitch; no further steps were specified.
Aakash Chopra said India seamer Auqib Nabi needs to work on his lack of pace and plan for batters who charge down the pitch.
Nabi took 2/31 in the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington on November 7, 2026.
Chopra said Nabi was effective when the pitch offered help but looked less effective when Daryl Mitchell attacked him.
The match was delayed by rain, and the pitch had been covered for a long period.
- Who
- Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra discussed India seamer Auqib Nabi.
- What
- Chopra said Nabi’s lack of pace is an issue he needs to work on, and that he should have a plan for batters who charge down the pitch.
- When
- Chopra’s comments were reported on November 9, 2026. Nabi played in the second ODI on November 7, 2026.
- Where
- The second ODI was played at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
- Why
- Chopra said Nabi was less effective when Daryl Mitchell charged down the pitch and attacked him.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The pitch had been under covers for a long period, leaving surface moisture.
Nabi took 2/31 in the second ODI between New Zealand and India in Wellington.
Indian Express published Chopra’s comments on Nabi’s bowling.
- Bowling figures
- Nabi took 2/31 in the second ODI.
- Match date
- November 7, 2026
- Venue
- Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
- Critic
- Aakash Chopra, former Indian cricketer
- Key concern
- Chopra said Nabi’s lack of pace needed work.
What people are saying
The lack of pace is something that will have to be worked on and he should have a plan when batters start charging down.
The moment the keeper is standing up, Nabi looks half the bowler.