Auqib Nabi Dar, a fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir, has become a sensation in the IPL 2026 mini-auction as Delhi Capitals bought him for an impressive INR 8.40 crore.
From being an uncapped player to earning such a huge amount, Auqib’s journey is truly inspiring. With his performances in domestic cricket, Auqib Nabi Dar has proved that talent and dedication can take you to the top.
Early Life of Auqib Dar
Born on November 4, 1996, in Jammu & Kashmir, Auqib Nabi Dar grew up in a region passionate about cricket despite challenging conditions.
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Auqib Nabi Dar |
| Date of Birth | 4 November 1996 |
| Age | 29 Years |
| State Team | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Fast |
| IPL Team (2026) | Delhi Capitals |
| IPL Auction Price | ₹8.40 Crore |
| IPL Base Price | ₹30 Lakh |
He began his professional journey with Jammu & Kashmir in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, making his List A debut on 23 September 2018. A year later, on 11 November 2019, he stepped into T20 cricket during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The 2024–25 Ranji season proved to be a turning point in his career as he picked up 44 wickets, the second-highest in this edition. He bowled with great control, maintaining an excellent strike rate of 30.47 and a superb average of 13.93. His performances earned him a place in the North Zone squad for the 2025–26 Duleep Trophy.
Stats of Auqib Dar
Auqib Nabi Dar was in outstanding form in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy. He picked up 29 wickets in just nine innings and delivered several match-winning performances. His spell included three five-wicket hauls, showing his consistency and control with the ball.
In the match against East Zone, Auqib delivered a magical spell by taking four wickets in four balls. He has taken 125 first-class wickets at an excellent average of just 19.98. His record includes 12 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls in a match.
| Format | Matches | Balls | Wickets | 5-wcikets | Economy | Runs Scored | 50s Scored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 36 | 5156 | 125 | 12 | 2.90 | 870 | 1 |
| List A | 29 | 1434 | 42 | 0 | 5.07 | 351 | 0 |
| T20s | 34 | 727 | 43 | 0 | 7.74 | 4/16 | 0 |
What makes his rise even more special is that since the start of 2024, no fast bowler has taken more Ranji Trophy wickets than him. In the ongoing SMAT, he has taken 15 wickets at an average of 13.26, including a four-fer, making him a strong contender for all IPL franchises, but no one expects him to be sold at the record price.
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Delhi Capitals Bought Him At 8.40 Cr For IPL 2026
At the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the 29-year-old pacer came in with a base price of just INR 30 lakh. Delhi Capitals started the bidding, but eventually it became a four-team bidding battle. For Auqib Nabi Dar, Delhi Capitals started the bidding, and soon Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru joined the race. As the price crossed INR 1 crore, Rajasthan Royals stepped back.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued to bid strongly with Delhi Capitals, but they left the bid after INR 2 crore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad joined the contest. The bidding war between these 2 teams continued, and the Capitals won the battle, signing him for a massive INR 8.40 crore, marking a proud and well-earned moment in his rising cricket journey.
By adding Auqib Nabi Dar to their squad, Delhi Capitals have strengthened their fast-bowling attack along with Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, and Mukesh Kumar.
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