In a stunning display of faith and high-stakes bidding, the Delhi Capitals have secured the services of Jammu & Kashmir's rising pace sensation, Auqib Nabi, for a whopping Rs 8.40 crore at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi. The right-arm medium pacer, who had a modest base price of Rs 30 lakhs, became the centre of an intense bidding war before the Axar Patel-led franchise emerged victorious.
From Baramulla Streets to IPL Millions: The Auqib Nabi Story
Born on November 4, 1996, in Baramulla, Auqib Nabi's journey to an IPL crorepati is a tale of passion triumphing over convention. Hailing from a modest family, his father, Gulam Nabi Dar, is an English teacher in a government school who initially dreamed of his son becoming a doctor. Cricket was not part of the family's plan.
Nabi's first foray into the sport was playing tennis-ball cricket on the streets. His entry into organized cricket was almost serendipitous; he accompanied a friend to state trials and ended up getting picked himself. "Back then, there was no formal coaching really in Baramulla. Now things have changed. So I played my first real red-ball cricket only after 19," Nabi recalled in an earlier interview.
A Steyn-Inspired Action and Domestic Dominance
As a bowler, Auqib Nabi is known for his ability to move the ball both ways while maintaining excellent control. He has openly modelled his bowling action on South African legend Dale Steyn, who was his childhood role model. "Just his aggression when bowling outswingers. I copied his action entirely," Nabi said. In recent times, he has also expressed admiration for India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his all-format skill and relentless attitude.
His cricketing credentials are impressive. Nabi made his debut for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In 27 T20 matches for his state, he has taken 28 wickets. However, it is in the longer domestic formats where he has truly shone. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, he claimed 44 wickets, finishing as the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker.
He created headlines in the 2025 Duleep Trophy by becoming one of the few Indian bowlers to take four wickets in four balls in first-class cricket. His spell of 4/16 in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was crucial in helping his side defend 159 runs against Bihar at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
What Nabi Brings to the Delhi Capitals
The fierce bidding battle, which involved teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, underscores the high regard franchises have for Nabi's talent. For Delhi Capitals, his acquisition addresses a key area by adding a skilled Indian pace bowler to their ranks. His skill set—swing, control, and a proven wicket-taking ability in domestic cricket—makes him a valuable asset for the conditions often encountered in the IPL.
His father, once skeptical, became his biggest supporter after Nabi broke into Under-19 cricket. This family backing, combined with his raw talent and work ethic, has now culminated in a life-changing IPL contract. The Rs 8.40 crore price tag is not just a reward but a massive responsibility, placing the spotlight firmly on the young pacer from Baramulla as he prepares to step onto cricket's biggest T20 stage.
