Auqib Nabi is a 29‑year‑old right‑arm medium fast bowler from Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, who plays for Jammu & Kashmir in domestic cricket and Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He became a national sensation after leading J&K to their first‑ever Ranji Trophy title in 2026, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket‑taker with 60 wickets.
Personal & Background
- Full Name: Auqib Nabi Dar
- Born: 4 November 1996, Sheeri Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir
- Height: 183 cm (6 ft)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm medium
- Role: Bowling all‑rounder
- Nicknamed: Baramulla Express for his pace and swing.
Career Highlights
- Domestic Debut:
- List A – 23 September 2018 (Vijay Hazare Trophy)
- T20 – 11 November 2019 (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy)
- First‑Class – 3 January 2020 (Ranji Trophy)
- Ranji Trophy 2024–25: 44 wickets, second‑highest in the season.
- Ranji Trophy 2025–26: 60 wickets at 12.65 average, Player of the Tournament, led J&K to historic maiden title.
- Duleep Trophy 2025–26: Took four wickets in four balls against East Zone.
- IPL Auction 2026: Bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore.
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025: 15 wickets in 7 matches.
Auqib Nabi Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Avg | Econ | 5w/10w | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First‑Class | 41 | 156 | 7/24 | 18.37 | 2.89 | 16/4 | |
| List A | 36 | 56 | 4/39 | 27.37 | 5.20 | 0 | |
| T20s | 38 | 43 | 4/16 | 24.74 | 8.05 | 0 | |
| IPL (DC) | 4 | 0 | – | – | 11.45 | 0 |
Style & Strengths
- Bowling: Swing bowler with impeccable line and length, moves the ball both ways.
- Temperament: Fearless, thrives in red‑ball cricket but is improving in white‑ball formats.
- Impact: Architect of J&K’s Ranji Trophy triumph, earning national attention.
Legacy & Future Outlook
Auqib Nabi’s back‑to‑back Ranji seasons have made him one of India’s most talked‑about domestic bowlers. His ability to dominate with swing and consistency has sparked calls for his inclusion in India’s upcoming squads. At 29, he is at the peak of his fast‑bowling career, and with IPL exposure, he could soon transition to the international stage. His story — from training on grounds 50 km away in Srinagar to lifting J&K’s first Ranji title — is a testament to perseverance and passion.
Conclusion:
Auqib Nabi’s rise from Baramulla to becoming the spearhead of Jammu & Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph is a story of perseverance and skill. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain relentless accuracy made him the tournament’s leading wicket‑taker, cementing his reputation as one of India’s most effective red‑ball bowlers. While his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals is still in its early stages, the exposure to high‑pressure environments will sharpen his white‑ball craft. At 29, Nabi is in the prime of his fast‑bowling career, and his performances suggest he is ready to step into India A contention and possibly the national side. His journey embodies the resilience of cricketers from emerging regions, and his success has already inspired a new generation of players from Jammu & Kashmir.
See More: Madhav Tiwari