India fast bowler Auqib Nabi has answered criticism of his white-ball bowling by insisting that skill, not raw pace, is what carried him into the national team, ahead of the fourth ODI against New Zealand.

Speaking on the eve of Friday's fourth ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, the 30-year-old said he had expected his first India call-up to come in red-ball cricket. India lead the series 2-0, with the third match washed out by rain.

"I wasn't expecting that my first call-up would come in white-ball, I was expecting it would be in red-ball," Nabi said. "Nonetheless, it's a good opportunity for me to show my skills."

Answering the doubters

Former India opener Aakash Chopra had questioned Nabi's selection on his YouTube channel before the home series against West Indies in September, pointing to his lack of pace.

Nabi was just as direct in reply. "Obviously, if you've pace, then it's very good. But I back my skills. I've reached so far mainly because of my skill," he said.

A mixed start in New Zealand

His ODI debut against West Indies in Guwahati on 30 September cost 84 runs in 8.5 overs, the most expensive figures by an India bowler on debut. In New Zealand he took two for 31 in Wellington, dismissing Tim Seifert and Will Young in a four-run win, after going wicketless for 33 in Auckland.

His domestic record explains why the selectors kept faith: 58 wickets in 40 List A matches and 180 first-class wickets from 47 games, including 60 last season as Jammu and Kashmir won their maiden Ranji Trophy title. He misses India's Test squad for the series starting on 19 November, but will stay on as a net bowler.