The Indian Premier League 2026 auction witnessed a stunning bid for an uncapped Indian talent, as Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for a whopping Rs 8.40 crore. This massive price tag highlights the seamer's meteoric rise in domestic cricket and the high expectations placed on his shoulders.
From Domestic Dominance to IPL Mega Deal
The Delhi Capitals moved decisively to secure the services of the 25-year-old pacer, recognising his exceptional form across formats. Nabi's auction story became one of the highlights, underscoring the franchise's strategy to invest in promising Indian pace talent. Earlier in the same auction, the Capitals had picked up experienced internationals David Miller and Ben Duckett at their base price of Rs 2 crore each, making Nabi their marquee uncapped purchase.
A Season of Remarkable Performances
Nabi's colossal price is firmly rooted in a spectacular domestic season. In the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was a standout performer, claiming 15 wickets in just seven matches while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.41. His all-round capabilities were on full display in a crucial game against Madhya Pradesh, where he scored a quickfire 32 runs off 21 balls and then took three vital wickets to seal victory for his team.
His red-ball credentials are even more formidable. The 2025-26 Ranji season saw Nabi start exceptionally, finishing as the only seamer among the top-five wicket-takers in the first half. He scalped 29 wickets in nine innings, which included three five-wicket hauls and a sensational spell of 7 for 24 against Rajasthan. This performance was instrumental in guiding Jammu & Kashmir to the knockout stages.
Building on a Record-Breaking Previous Season
This recent dominance is a continuation of his brilliant 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign. In that season, Nabi ended with a staggering 44 wickets at an average of 13.93. No other specialist seamer in the country came close to this tally; the next best managed 35 wickets. Only Vidarbha's all-rounder Harsh Dubey, with 69 wickets, had a better overall count.
What Nabi Brings to the Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals' investment is a bet on Nabi's aggressive pace, consistent wicket-taking ability, and handy lower-order batting. These skills make him a compelling and dynamic addition to their squad as they aim to build a balanced team for the IPL 2026 challenge. The franchise will be hoping he can seamlessly translate his domestic dominance to the high-pressure environment of the IPL.
Nabi's journey from the domestic circuits of Jammu & Kashmir to an IPL crorepati is a testament to his hard work and consistent performances. His signing marks a significant moment for cricket in the region and adds an exciting new chapter to the Capitals' bowling arsenal.
