Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Auqib Nabi Dar’s ability in the ODI format ahead of the series against the West Indies. Dar was a surprise pick in India’s ODI team as Jasprit Bumrah was selected for the Asian Games.

The fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir has been picked in the squad along with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar. Dar has scalped 56 wickets in 36 List A matches for his state team but he is better known for his impressive performances in the red-ball format.

The pacer was bagged for a whopping amount of INR 8.40 crore by Delhi Capitals in the auction, but he failed to pick up a wicket in five appearances.

“I am really happy for Auqib Nabi, but at the same time, deep down, I am also a bit concerned because he is still not going to get an opportunity. You have selected him, but will you give him a chance? I am not sure. It just feels like: Is Auqib Nabi ready for white-ball cricket? Is he actually going to make a difference?” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

The renowned commentator added that Nabi’s performances in the IPL were not convincing enough and thus he needs to get better in the white-ball formats.

“Let’s be honest about it, he does not have much pace. He has to bowl 10 overs, that too in different phases, so is he ready for that? I have not seen the evidence yet. I am going to wait and watch. The kind of performances we saw in the IPL, I don’t think it was convincing enough to show that he can bowl in all three phases of an innings. I am still optimistic that he will get to play matches in New Zealand. He is almost ideal for those conditions. But against West Indies on flat pitches? I am not sure,” Aakash Chopra said.

The first ODI between India and the West Indies will be played on 27th September.