Delhi Capitals Bet Big on Uncapped J&K Star Auqib Dar at IPL 2026 Auction

Auqib Nabi Dar, a 29-year-old right-arm medium pacer and lower-order batsman from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, became one of the breakout stars of the IPL 2026 mini-auction on December 16, 2025, when Delhi Capitals acquired him for Rs 8.40 crore. Entering with a base price of Rs 30 lakh and registered under the all-rounder category (sometimes listed as Auqib Dar), his price surged 28 times amid a fierce bidding war involving Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad before DC sealed the deal.

Dar's journey from playing tennis-ball cricket on dusty grounds with limited facilities to IPL stardom exemplifies perseverance amid challenges like injuries and regional infrastructure constraints. Modelling his action after Dale Steyn, he has emerged as a swing bowler with refined death-over skills and handy batting contributions, making him a valuable domestic prospect despite no prior IPL experience.

His recent performances propelled the high bid: in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he claimed 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy of 7.41; in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, he has 29 wickets in nine innings, including three five-wicket hauls and a best of 7/24. Previously, he topped wicket charts with 44 scalps at an average of 13.93 in the 2024-25 Ranji season, becoming J&K's record holder for most wickets in a single edition.

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Across formats, Dar has played 36 first-class matches (125+ wickets, ~870 runs), 29 List A (42 wickets), and 34 T20s (43 wickets). He previously served as a net bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, gaining valuable exposure.Delhi Capitals' investment reflects their focus on bolstering Indian pace resources, viewing Dar as a potential death specialist and all-round option. The deal marks a landmark for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, inspiring aspiring players from the region.As the auction continues filling remaining slots, Dar's rags-to-riches story highlights the IPL's platform for rewarding consistent domestic excellence.

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