The second match of the 3-match ODI series between India and West Indies is being played in Guwahati. Indian captain Shubman Gill has once again won the toss and decided to bowl first. Team India has entered this match with one change. Aaqib Nabi has been included in the playing XI in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy. Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Aaqib is starting his international career through this match.

Aaqib, who wreaked havoc in the last two Ranji seasons, was also selected in the Indian team for the Sri Lanka tour but he did not get a chance to debut. Aaqib, popularly known as 'Dale Steyn' of Baramulla, was seen on the bench in both the test matches in Sri Lanka. After this, he remained out of the first ODI match played against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram. After waiting a long time for his international debut, he has finally got this opportunity.

Why was Aaqib fed?

Team India captain Shubman Gill told during the toss that there is little grass on the pitch and it has uneven bounce. Therefore, fast bowlers will get a little more movement. In such a situation, young pace bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy was dropped and Aaqib Nabi was replaced. Aaqib will partner Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar in the fast bowling unit. It is noteworthy that despite the presence of Mohammad Siraj in the squad, Aaqib has been given a chance ahead of him. Senior fast bowler Siraj was also out in the first ODI of this series.

What is the specialty of Aaqib?

29-year-old right-arm fast bowler Aaqib is known for consistently bowling accurate line-lengths. He also has expertise in swinging the ball both ways. He made Jammu and Kashmir the champion for the first time by taking 60 wickets in the last Ranji season. After this he also debuted for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Aaqib has so far taken 56 wickets in 36 List-A matches.

Aaqib is also a useful lower order batsman. If his turn comes, he can score valuable runs. He has scored 572 runs in 30 innings in List-A at a strike rate of 111.71, which also includes an unbeaten inning of 114 runs.

Playing XI of both the teams:

India – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Naman Dheer, Ravindra Jadeja, Aaqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

West Indies – John Campbell, Casey Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Aamir Jangu, Sharfan Rutherford, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jaden Seales, Vitale Laws