Auqib Nabi Dar has emerged as one of the most talked-about names of the IPL 2026 season, becoming the first first-class fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir to earn a contract with Delhi Capitals (DC). His rise from domestic cricket to the IPL spotlight reflects a story of skill, consistency, and perseverance rather than raw pace alone.
A breakout name from Jammu & Kashmir cricket
Hailing from Baramulla, Auqib Nabi Dar is a right-arm pacer who represents Jammu & Kashmir in Indian domestic cricket. He entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, but his strong domestic performances sparked serious interest, eventually leading to Delhi Capitals signing him for Rs 8.40 crore after an intense bidding war.
This marks Auqib’s maiden IPL contract, making the moment even more significant for cricket in the region.
Dominant domestic season
Auqib’s selection was driven by an outstanding 2024–25 domestic season across formats. In the Ranji Trophy, he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker among pacers, claiming 44 wickets at an impressive average of 13.93. One of his standout performances included a 7 for 24 match haul against Rajasthan, which firmly put him on the radar of IPL scouts.
In white-ball cricket, he continued to impress. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, he picked up 15 wickets in seven matches, showing his ability to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket. He also made headlines in the Duleep Trophy, where he became the first bowler in the tournament’s history to take four wickets in four consecutive deliveries, a rare and remarkable feat.
Skill over speed
Auqib Nabi Dar is not an express quick, operating in the 125–131 kmph range, but his effectiveness lies in movement, control, and game awareness. Jammu & Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy bowling coach P Krishna Kumar has often highlighted Auqib’s strong wrist position and ability to learn quickly, drawing comparisons to Mohammad Shami’s natural bowling action.
Auqib himself has stressed that wicket-taking ability matters more than sheer pace, a philosophy reflected in his consistent domestic returns.
Delhi Capitals’ investment
By signing Auqib for Rs 8.40 crore, Delhi Capitals have made a clear statement about backing high-performing domestic talent. His ability to swing the new ball, bowl disciplined spells, and operate in pressure situations makes him a valuable addition to DC’s pace unit ahead of IPL 2026.
For Auqib Nabi Dar, the move represents a major career milestone. For Indian domestic cricket—and particularly for Jammu & Kashmir—it marks a breakthrough moment as a homegrown fast bowler prepares to step onto the IPL stage with Delhi Capitals.
