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Gautam Gambhir hints at extended run for Auqib Nabi in ODIs

Indian national team coach Gautam Gambhir has indicated that debutant fast bowler Auqib Nabi will likely feature in the final fixture against the West Indies as part of preparations for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. Gambhir emphasized the importance of exposing developing bowlers to high-pressure situations rather than shielding them in dead rubbers, noting that international tournaments demand resilience under stress.

Auqib struggled during his first appearance in Guwahati, conceding eighty-four runs without claiming a wicket as the squad secured an unassailable two-nil lead in the bilateral competition.

Fellow pacer Gurnoor Brar also endured a difficult outing by surrendering ninety-six runs across ten overs despite picking up two dismissals during the high-scoring contest. Gambhir defended both players by explaining that giving youngsters exposure during challenging moments benefits the national program more than manufacturing favorable statistics through defensive tactics.

Additional fresh faces are expected to be tested in upcoming fixtures leading up to the series against Zimbabwe.

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