Delhi Capitals made one of the boldest moves of the IPL 2026 Auction, securing Jammu & Kashmir’s rising pace star Auqib Dar (Auqib Nabi) for a massive ₹8.40 crore. With 57 competitive bids between DC and SRH, this was one of the biggest battles for an uncapped Indian pacer in this auction.
Auqib’s sharp swing, improved death-over control, and red-hot domestic form made him one of the most demanded uncapped Indian bowlers this year. He is now officially the most expensive player from Jammu & Kashmir in IPL auction history, surpassing Rasikh Salam.
Auqib Dar IPL 2026 – Key Auction Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | Delhi Capitals (DC) |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹8.40 Crore |
| Base Price | ₹30 Lakh |
| Bidding Competition | DC vs SRH (57 bids) |
| Role | Bowling All-rounder |
| Specialty | Swing + Death Overs |
Why Teams Targeted Auqib Dar in IPL 2026
- Excellent ability to move the ball both ways
- Outstanding SMAT 2025 performance – 15 wickets in 7 matches
- Reliable wicket-taker in all formats
- Capable lower-order contributor with the bat
- Proven domestic match-winner in tough conditions
- Strong temperament under pressure
Delhi Capitals see Auqib as a long-term Indian pace asset who can handle high-pressure overs.
Read Also: Sahil Parakh IPL 2026 Price, Team, Career Stats, Records
Auqib Dar – Player Profile Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Auqib Nabi Dar |
| Born | 4 November 1996 |
| Age | 29 years |
| Role | Bowling All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Domestic Team | Jammu & Kashmir |
| IPL 2026 Team | Delhi Capitals |
| Known For | Swing bowling, accuracy, death-over control |
Career Journey So Far
Auqib Dar has risen from domestic cricket’s toughest lanes in Jammu & Kashmir to becoming one of India’s top uncapped fast-bowling all-rounders. He made:
- List A debut – 2018
- T20 debut – 2019
- First-class debut – 2020
Since then, he has delivered consistent performances in SMAT, Ranji Trophy, and the Duleep Trophy. His 44 wickets in the 2024–25 Ranji season were a turning point for his career.
He was ignored in the IPL 2025 mega auction but made a massive comeback in 2026 as the most expensive J&K player ever.
Auqib Dar Career Stats (All Formats)
First-Class (FC) Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Avg | Econ | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 125 | 7/24 | 19.98 | 2.90 | 12 | 3 |
List A Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best | Avg | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 42 | 4/39 | 28.88 | 5.07 |
T20 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best | Avg | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 43 | 4/16 | 21.81 | 7.74 | 16.9 |
Batting Stats (All Formats)
(Mainly a lower-order contributor)
| Format | Runs | HS | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 870 | 55 | 18.91 | 55.52 |
| List A | 351 | 45* | 20.64 | 97.50 |
| T20 | 141 | 32 | 10.84 | 106.81 |
Auqib Dar – Recent Performances (2025)
Recent T20 Matches
| Match | Bat | Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| vs MP | 32 | 3/19 |
| vs Goa | – | 1/31 |
| vs Hyderabad | 1 | 2/25 |
| vs Chandigarh | 0 | 1/26 |
| vs Bihar | 5* | 4/16 |
| vs UP | 4* | 1/54 |
| vs Maharashtra | – | 3/28 |
Recent First-Class Matches
| Match | Bat | Bowling |
|---|---|---|
| vs Hyderabad | 0 & 27 | 4/39 & 1/19 |
| vs Delhi | 0 | 5/35 & 0/43 |
| vs Chhattisgarh | 6 | 2/90 |
These recent displays highlight a bowler in top form—and explain why IPL franchises fought hard for him.
Read Also: Prithvi Shaw IPL 2026 Price, Team, Career Stats, Records
Why DC Needed Auqib Dar in IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals have always relied on young Indian fast bowlers. With his swing, movement, and death-overs skillset, Auqib provides:
- A strong Indian bowling option
- A backup and competitor for powerplay overs
- A middle-overs wicket-taker
- A handy lower-order hitting option
DC are expected to use him as a Impact Player in specific conditions.
Auqib Dar IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ₹8.40 Cr | Delhi Capitals |
| 2025 | – | – |
| 2023 | – | – |
| 2022 | – | – |
(First time selected in IPL 2026)
Auqib Dar IPL Role in 2026
- Primary Role: Swing bowler + death-overs option
- Secondary Role: Lower-order hitter
- Ideal Overs: 1–3 in Powerplay, 17–20 at the death
- Impact Potential: High, given his domestic dominance
Conclusion
Auqib Dar’s journey from the cold valleys of Jammu & Kashmir to becoming an ₹8.40 crore IPL signing is a story of resilience and talent. His swing bowling, accuracy, and hunger to perform make him one of the most exciting uncapped players to watch in IPL 2026.
Delhi Capitals have invested heavily in him—and based on his recent form, Auqib Dar could be one of the biggest breakthrough stars of the upcoming season.
