After a sensational domestic season, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi was roped in for INR 8.4 crore by Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2026. His red-ball skills became the talking point, but Nabi was equally effective in the limited-overs cricket. In the Duleep Trophy 2025-26, he claimed six wickets in two matches, including a five-wicket haul for North Zone. He was also effective in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, picking up 14 wickets in seven games.
Recalling the media hype following his Duleep Trophy performance, Nabi said he was confident of earning an IPL contract. However, when no teams raised the paddle in the first few seconds, he gave up on the dream. Nevertheless, the bidding war soon began and Nabi became the costliest J&K player in IPL history.ย
Reflecting upon that, the 29-year-old noted that the price tag wonโt put any sort of pressure on him as his goal is to do well for Delhi in the IPL and make himself one of the contenders for the Indian team.ย
“This year, I made a rare record in the Duleep Trophy while representing the North Zone team. I picked up four wickets in four consecutive balls. After that, my name was all over the media. Once that happened, I got confidence that I might get picked in the IPL auction. On auction day, I was at home with my family, watching the auction. When my name came up, for a few seconds, no one picked up the paddle,โ Nabi said in JioStar’s โTATA IPL: Dream On.
โSo I thought it’s okay, I will work hard and make sure I don’t go unsold. But after a few seconds, the teams picked up the paddle. Everyone at home got emotional. It was years of hard work coming to fruition. The price tag pressure isn’t there. I just wanted to play in the IPL and now want to make a name for myself and play for India,โ he added.
Nabi thanks Irfan Pathan for support
Nabi was scouted by Irfan Pathan during his U-23 days. He revealed that the former cricketer helped him make his debut for the senior team and also shared tips with him, which helped him grow as a bowler.
“When Irfan bhai joined as mentor of Jammu and Kashmir, I was in the Under-23 team and my performances there got his attention. He helped me make my debut for the Jammu and Kashmir senior team. He used to guide me a lot by giving me tips and was very helpful. He is a legend of Team India and I had a great experience with Irfan bhai,โ Nabi said.ย
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