Auqib Nabi Dar emerged as one of the biggest surprise packages of the IPL Auction 2026, after the uncapped Indian fast bowler was snapped up by Delhi Capitals for a massive ₹8.40 crore, far exceeding his modest base price of ₹30 lakh. The sharp jump in valuation underlined growing franchise interest in domestic red-ball performers who have translated their consistency into limited-overs formats.
Auction story: From ₹30 lakh base to ₹8.40 crore
Auqib Dar’s name came up during the accelerated phase, with Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals initially showing interest. Royal Challengers Bengaluru then joined the bidding, pushing the price past ₹1 crore. RCB eventually exited at ₹2 crore, after which Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the fray, leading to a tense three-team battle. Delhi Capitals stayed firm till the end, finally securing Dar at ₹8.40 crore, one of the highest prices paid for an uncapped Indian pacer in this auction.
Background and domestic journey
Auqib Dar is a 29-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler who represents Jammu & Kashmir in Indian domestic cricket. Hailing from Baramulla, Dar has built a reputation as a disciplined seam bowler capable of bowling long spells, extracting movement off the surface, and maintaining control across formats. His domestic performances over multiple seasons have steadily put him on the radar of IPL scouts.
Bowling stats across formats
Auqib Dar’s strongest credentials come from his bowling record, particularly in first-class cricket.
In first-class cricket, he has played 36 matches, bowling 5,156 deliveries across 59 innings, picking up 125 wickets at an excellent average of 20.0 and an economy of 2.91. His strike rate of 41.2 reflects his ability to take wickets regularly, with 12 five-wicket hauls and a best of 7/24, marking him as a genuine red-ball strike bowler.
In List A cricket, Dar has featured in 29 matches, claiming 42 wickets at an average of 28.9 and an economy rate of 5.08, with a best of 4/39. His numbers show adaptability to the 50-over format, where control and variations are crucial.
In T20 cricket, he has taken 43 wickets in 34 matches, maintaining an average of 21.7 and a strike rate of 16.8, with a best of 4/16. While his economy of 7.77 suggests he can be targeted at times, his wicket-taking ability makes him a potential impact bowler in short spells.
Batting contribution
Though primarily a bowler, Auqib Dar is a capable lower-order batter.
In first-class cricket, he has scored 870 runs at an average of 18.9, including a highest score of 55. In List A cricket, he has 351 runs at an average of 20.6, while in T20s, he has chipped in with 141 runs at a strike rate of 106.8, adding depth to the tail.
Why Delhi Capitals invested big
Delhi Capitals’ aggressive bidding reflects their belief in Dar’s pace-bowling depth, domestic experience, and growth potential. His strong first-class record indicates stamina and control, while his T20 strike rate suggests he can be used as a wicket-taking option in the middle overs. For a franchise looking to strengthen its Indian fast-bowling core, Dar fits the profile of a long-term investment rather than a short-term gamble.
What lies ahead
With an ₹8.40 crore price tag comes expectation, but also opportunity. Auqib Dar now steps onto the biggest stage of his career, transitioning from domestic consistency to the IPL spotlight. How quickly he adapts to elite batting line-ups will determine whether this breakout auction moment translates into on-field success for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.
