In what has become the story of the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction, the Delhi Capitals (DC) shocked rivals by securing the services of uncapped Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar for a staggering ₹8.40 Crore.
The high-stakes bid, which dwarfed his base price of ₹30 Lakh, solidified his status as one of the most in-demand domestic fast bowlers and marks a significant investment in Indian pace talent.
Why the Huge Bid? The Auqib Nabi Factor
Auqib Nabi Dar, a 29-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Baramulla, was not merely an auction-day sensation; he was a carefully scouted commodity whose domestic numbers forced a bidding frenzy. The core reasons behind the monumental bid are:
- The New-Ball Specialist: Auqib is renowned for his ability to swing the new ball both ways. This makes him a lethal Powerplay bowler, a role DC has struggled to consistently fill with an Indian pacer. His control and accuracy allow him to take early wickets, putting the opposition on the back foot.
- Recent Record-Breaking Form: His performances in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 domestic seasons were nothing short of exceptional.
- He was the second-highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 with 44 wickets, a historic tally for a J&K pacer in a single season.
- His recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26, where he took 15 wickets in 7 matches with a decent economy of 7.41, proved he could translate his red-ball consistency to the T20 format.
- The sensational four wickets in four balls against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy added a layer of match-winning pedigree that franchises pay a premium for.
- The Demand for Indian Pace: In the IPL, top-tier Indian fast bowlers, especially those who can bowl with the new ball, are a limited and priceless resource. The high demand and low supply inevitably drive up the price for proven domestic performers. DC needed an Indian pace option to complement their overseas stars and fill a crucial gap, making Auqib their primary target.
- All-Round Potential: Reports indicate Auqib has shown notable improvement in his lower-order batting, chipping in with valuable runs, adding to his versatility and making him an even more attractive prospect for the modern T20 game.
Auqib Nabi Dar: Career Statistics
A detailed look at Auqib Nabi’s domestic career, highlighting his consistency across formats, particularly his recent impact in First-Class (FC) and T20 cricket:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy/Strike Rate | Best Bowling |
| First-Class (FC) | 36 | 125 | 20.01 | 50.7 (Strike Rate) | 7/24 |
| List A (LA) | 29 | 42 | 23.47 | 4.85 (Economy) | 4/18 |
| Twenty20 (T20) | 27 | 28 | 26.39 | 7.91(Economy) | 4/16 |
Recent Standout Season (2024-2026):
- Ranji Trophy 2024-25: 44 Wickets at an average of $13.93$.
- SMAT 2025/26: 15 Wickets in 7 matches, key for a big T20 contract.
- Duleep Trophy 2025/26: First bowler to take 4 wickets in 4 balls in the tournament’s history.
The Delhi Capitals Strategy: Investing in Depth
For Delhi Capitals, the ₹8.40 Crore bid for Auqib Nabi is a calculated risk and a clear statement of intent. The franchise, known for backing young domestic talent, has invested significantly in an individual who could be a long-term asset. The management’s focus was on acquiring a high-quality Indian pacer who could fill the void and partner with their established international bowlers.
This colossal bid ensures that Auqib Nabi Dar, the determined cricketer from Baramulla, finally gets his long-awaited IPL breakthrough, becoming an overnight millionaire and carrying the hopes of the Delhi Capitals’ pace attack on his shoulders. The cricketing world will now watch closely to see if he can deliver on the immense potential, and the massive price tag, at the grand stage of the IPL.
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