Auqib Nabi Dar was brought by Delhi Capitals (DC) for Rs 8.40 crore after entering the mini-auction at a base price of Rs 30 lakh. He grew up playing tennis ball cricket in Baramulla, Kashmir. The right arm pacer set off honing his wrist-work and ended up with one of the smoothest and deceptively jumbling mix of inswingers and outswingers, working his way out to snare wickets with the new ball and old.
He caught the eye when he registered 44 wickets at an impressive average of 13.93 in the previous edition of Ranji Trophy. He also did well in the Duleep Trophy where he picked up four wickets of four balls. In Ranji this year the pacer has scalped 29 wickets in nine innings, which includes three five-wicket hauls.
His best figure in India’s premier red ball competition reads 7/24 against Rajasthan. With 42 wickets in List A cricket the pacer has become J&K’s highest wicket taker in the last few years. Nabi is also good with the bat lower down the order. His most recent outing earlier this week, against Madhya Pradesh, he contributed a cameo 32 off 21 balls where he hits a few big sixes.
He was a standout performer for Jammu & Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year taking 15 wickets in 7 matches. A key focus of his game is death-over bowling, an area he’s continually improving. His prior experience as a net bowler for IPL teams Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad adds value to his skills. He is picked up by Delhi Capitals. Ironically he bowled his team to a victory at the same Stadium in Delhi a few days back in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The story of Auqib Dar is a feel good story. The 29 year old has put in lot of efforts over the years and is finally being rewarded for his good work. Delhi will be keen for him to shine in the upcoming IPL 2026.
