Auqib Nabi Dar is no longer just a name from India’s domestic circuit — he is now one of the most talked-about fast-bowling all-rounders to emerge from Jammu & Kashmir cricket in recent years. Born on November 4, 1996, the 29-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler has earned national attention through sheer consistency, discipline, and match-winning performances.
Primarily known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Auqib combines control with aggression. His natural accuracy, especially with the new ball, makes him highly effective in the powerplay overs, where early breakthroughs can define a match.
Breakthrough Domestic Season
Auqib’s rise reached new heights during the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, where he delivered one standout performance after another. In just five matches, he picked up 29 wickets at a remarkable average of 13.27, including a career-best spell of 7 for 24. At one stage, he stood as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, underlining his dominance against quality batting line-ups.
His red-ball success is not an isolated story. Auqib has multiple five-wicket hauls in first-class cricket, and one of his most memorable moments came in the Duleep Trophy, where he grabbed four wickets in four consecutive deliveries, a rare and elite achievement.
Proven Across Formats
Auqib Nabi Dar has also shown he can adapt beyond the longer format. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier domestic T20 competition, he claimed 15 wickets in seven matches, showcasing his ability to bowl smartly at the death and maintain discipline under pressure.
This multi-format effectiveness is what has made him a valuable prospect for franchise cricket.
Auqib Nabi Career Stats
Batting & Fielding
Bowling
Recent Matches of Auqib Nabi
| Match | Bat | Bowl | Date | Ground | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J + K vs M. Pradesh | 32 | 3/19 | 08-Dec-2025 | Eden Gardens | T20 |
| J + K vs Goa | — | 1/31 | 06-Dec-2025 | Eden Gardens | T20 |
| J + K vs Hyderabad | 1 | 2/25 | 04-Dec-2025 | Jadavpur Uni | T20 |
| J + K vs Chandigarh | 0 | 1/26 | 02-Dec-2025 | Jadavpur Uni | T20 |
| J + K vs Bihar | 5* | 4/16 | 30-Nov-2025 | Eden Gardens | T20 |
IPL 2026: Big Auction Moment
His consistent performances did not go unnoticed. At the IPL 2026 Auction, Auqib Nabi Dar became one of the surprise yet well-deserved big buys, as Delhi Capitals secured him for ₹8.4 crore. The investment reflects the franchise’s belief in his potential as a reliable Indian pace option, capable of delivering with the new ball and contributing valuable lower-order runs when needed.
Analyst’s Take
From a talent-scouting perspective, Auqib Nabi Dar fits the profile of a modern IPL bowler — disciplined, swing-friendly, mentally strong, and adaptable across conditions. His ability to strike early, maintain tight lines, and thrive in pressure situations makes him an exciting addition to any pace attack.
As he steps into the IPL spotlight with Delhi Capitals, Auqib’s journey from Jammu & Kashmir to a multi-crore IPL contract stands as a testament to perseverance, performance, and patience — and this could well be just the beginning of a much bigger story.
