Kolkata Knight Riders coach Abhishek Nayar, who is currently working with JioHotstar as an expert, made a huge statement ahead of the first ODI between England and India. Speaking about the all-rounder's spot in the side, Abhishek Nayar said that Aquib Nabi can be the replacement for Hardik Pandya in ODI cricket. Currently, India have had Nitish Kumar Reddy in the absence of Hardik, and with Nitish Kumar also injured, they have preferred Shivam Dube.

Aquib Nabi made his debut for Delhi Capitals in the recent edition of the Indian Premier League after impressing for Jammu & Kashmir in the domestic circuit. Nabi bowls medium pace and can swing the new ball. He topped the wicket-taking charts in the domestic circuit but could not make much of an impact in the IPL. Aquib Nabi, who registered as an all-rounder in the IPL auction, has shown glimpses with the bat in the domestic circuit.

Aquib Nabi's performance in List A

Nabi has a good record with the bat in List A cricket, where he has scored 572 runs in 36 matches at an average of close to 27 and a strike rate of 111. He has also picked up 56 wickets in his List A career. He is known to be a handy hitter down the order in domestic cricket and can swing the new ball.

India have been looking for a replacement for Hardik Pandya, but no one has really been able to step up and lock down the spot. Nitish Kumar Reddy looked promising in the last series but has been injured. They have gone with Shivam Dube for this England tour and will be hoping he can deliver. The 2027 World Cup will be played in South Africa, and India will need a fit and firing Hardik Pandya for that tournament.

But given his previous history of injuries, they also need to prepare a backup for him. Aquib Nabi is a name thrown into the conversation by Abhishek Nayar, and if he does manage to impress the selectors with his batting, he can be a useful option in that role.