NEW DELHI: Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi emerged as one of the biggest highlights of the IPL 2026 auction after being picked up by Delhi Capitals for a massive Rs 8.40 crore.
The uncapped Indian seamer has impressed consistently on the domestic circuit, prompting the Capitals to make a decisive move to secure his services.
Nabi has enjoyed a stellar run of form this season. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20), he claimed 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.41. His recent outing against Madhya Pradesh underlined his all-round value, as he scored a quick 32 off 21 balls before returning figures of three wickets to seal a crucial win for Jammu & Kashmir.
His impact has been equally significant in red-ball cricket. In the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, Nabi finished the first half of the season as the only seamer among the top five wicket-takers, picking up 29 wickets in nine innings. His standout performance included a sensational 7 for 24 against Rajasthan, which played a key role in J&K’s qualification for the knockout stages.
This followed an outstanding 2024–25 Ranji Trophy campaign, where Nabi ended with 44 wickets at an average of 13.93. No other fast bowler in the country matched that tally, with only Vidarbha all-rounder Harsh Dubey surpassing him overall with 69 wickets.
Delhi Capitals, who earlier secured David Miller and Ben Duckett at their base prices of Rs 2 crore each, will be hoping that Nabi can translate his domestic success to the IPL stage. With his pace, wicket-taking ability and useful lower-order batting, Auqib Nabi adds depth and balance to the Capitals’ squad as they prepare for the IPL 2026 season.
