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.

Auqib Nabi gave a strong performance in the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka. He troubled a top order that included India players and showed why many call him India-ready. He dismissed KL Rahul after just 22 balls, allowing him only one scoring shot. Nabi also removed Karun Nair and R. Smaran, putting Karnataka under big pressure. With 56 wickets this season, he has been the team’s best bowler. His pace, swing, and control helped Jammu & Kashmir move closer to a historic Ranji Trophy title.

Auqib Nabi in Ranji Trophy 2025-26

He caught the eye when he registered 55 wickets at an impressive average of 12.72 in the current ongoing 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.

Auqib Nabi has won man of the match awards in the last two crucial matches, helping Jammu & Kashmir team to make it to the first ever finals of Ranji Trophy. 

Auqib Nabi stats in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 and Venue-wise performance

Ground Inns Wkts Ave SR Econ BBI
Srinagar 4 18 8.83 22.2 2.38 7/24
Raipur 1 2 45 99 2.72 2/90
Delhi 2 5 15.6 33.6 2.78 5/35
Jammu 2 5 11.6 28.8 2.41 4/39
Puducherry 1 1 45 84 3.21 1/45
Amtar 2 4 9.25 25.5 2.17 2/6
Indore 2 12 9.16 21.3 2.57 7/40
Kalyani 1 9 13.67 24 3.41 5/87
 

Nabi in the last two Ranji seasons

Season Mat Inns Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 5w
2025/26 9 16 55 7/24 12/110 12.72 2.67 28.5 6
2024/25 8 15 44 6/53 10/74 13.93 2.74 30.4  

For 67 years, Jammu & Kashmir never reached a Ranji Trophy final. Now they have. And a big reason is Auqib Nabi.

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.