Auqib Nabi Dar’s long-awaited dream came true as the Jammu and Kashmir pacer received his maiden ODI cap for India ahead of the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati.
The wait is finally over for Auqib Nabi Dar. The 29-year-old cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir received his maiden one-day international debut cap ahead of the 2nd ODI match between India and West Indies at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, Assam.
It is a huge moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket as one of their biggest talents will finally represent the Indian senior men’s national cricket team in a thrilling bilateral series. The Men in Blue are at a stage where they would look to seal a series win in the second ODI match, and Aquib could prove his worth against the West Indies.
Aquib Nabi finally makes India debut
Auqib’s perseverance and impressive performances in domestic cricket finally paid off as he received his maiden ODI cap from vice-captain KL Rahul during India’s team huddle. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed Aquib’s presence in the playing XI, replacing all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second ODI.
The J&K cricketer’s inclusion was the sole change in India’s playing XI. The team management opted to test his capabilities in a crucial ODI match.
Notably, India announced a debutant in the first two matches of the series; Naman Dhir made his debut in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram, and Aquib will now make his India debut in the second one-day match.
More from FirstcricketIndia opt to bowl first in 2nd ODI vs WI
India won the toss and skipper Gill chose to bowl first against the West Indies in Guwahati.ย The hosts could enjoy a slight advantage, as the humid weather is expected to bring dew into play later in the game, making conditions challenging for the team bowling second.
“A bit more grass, and looks a little bit patchy at times. So I think there’ll be a little bit more for the fast bowlers initially,” Gill said at the toss.
Meanwhile, West Indies captain Shai Hope said that they ‘definitely would have fielded,’ had they won the toss. He further said that their playing XI has four changes, with Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Shamar Joseph and Vitel Lawes replacing the injured Justin Greaves, Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie.
India vs West Indies 2nd ODI: Playing XIs
West Indies Playing XI: John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (wk/c), Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes.
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.