For years, Auqib Nabi watched the IPL auctions with a sense of resigned numbness, his consistent domestic performances seemingly overlooked. At 29, that long wait for recognition finally ended on Tuesday. The Delhi Capitals secured the Jammu and Kashmir medium pacer for a staggering Rs 8.4 crore, making him the highest-priced cricketer ever to emerge from the region.
From Tennis Ball Cricket in Baramulla to IPL Stardom
Nabi's cricketing journey is a testament to late blooming and improved infrastructure. Hailing from the valleys of Baramulla, he played only amateurish tennis-ball cricket until the age of 17. His foray into professional cricket was not even his own idea; a friend coaxed him into attending U-19 trials in Srinagar. From that reluctant start, the system took over. He was polished under the guidance of mentors like former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, evolving into a sought-after bowler.
Unlike the raw pace of fellow J&K product Umran Malik, Nabi carved his niche as a workhorse. His success is built on skill and perseverance, not sheer speed. "I don't think much about bowling speed. I have a few things that many people don't have," Nabi had remarked during a Ranji match in Delhi last month. Those "few things" are a potent in-swinger and a deadly reverse-swinging yorker aimed at the stumps. He developed the in-swinger himself, adding a crucial layer to his initially out-swing dominant bowling.
A Season of Focused Detachment and Big Dreams
Entering the 2025-26 domestic season, Nabi adopted a clear motto: "Don't think about IPL." He kept expectations at bay, focusing solely on his performance. This mindset, perhaps, freed him to excel. However, he did confess to a dream fueled by potential IPL earnings: to start a cricket academy in his hometown of Baramulla, giving back to the community that shaped his late start.
His preparation is meticulous. Nabi studies videos of India's premier fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj to learn the art of bowling on flat Indian pitches. "No one is better on Indian pitches," he stated, highlighting his practical approach to mastering his craft.
The J&K System: A Crucible for Talent
Nabi's rise underscores the impact of Jammu and Kashmir's much-improved cricketing ecosystem. He credits the structured pathway provided by the JKCA (Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association). "After the season gets over, the JKCA camp starts immediately. We constantly discuss with coaches about new things and analyse the previous season. After that, practice starts," Nabi explained. This continuous cycle of assessment and training has been instrumental in refining talents like his.
His story is one of quiet perseverance. From negligible exposure in his formative years to a life-changing Rs 8.4 crore IPL contract, Auqib Nabi's journey highlights the far-reaching and increasingly inclusive nature of Indian cricket's talent identification system. For Delhi Capitals, they have acquired not just a skilled bowler, but a determined professional whose best years may still be ahead of him.
