The IPL 2026 mini auction delivered several eye-catching moments, but few stories were as compelling as that of Auqib Dar, the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler who secured a life-changing Rs 8.40 crore deal with Delhi Capitals. Starting from a modest base price of Rs 30 lakh, Dar became the centre of a fierce bidding contest involving Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, before Delhi eventually sealed the deal.
For Delhi Capitals, who already boast an experienced pace spearhead in Mitchell Starc, Dar’s arrival adds raw speed, swing, and a compelling domestic success story to their bowling unit.
From Baramulla to the IPL Spotlight
Born in Baramulla, Kashmir, the 28-year-old pacer’s journey to the IPL has been anything but conventional. As a teenager, Dar aspired to become a doctor to fulfil his father’s wish. Cricket, however, had other plans. Often referred to locally as the “Dale Steyn of Baramulla” for his aggressive bowling style, Dar began chasing his cricketing dream by attending trials conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
8.40 crore to Aquib Nabi Dar…
Hardwork always pays off ❤️.
Congratulations 🎊 👏 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/xJSKg6g8E4— Kifayat Malik (@KifayatMalik176) December 16, 2025
His early attempts were unsuccessful, with rejection marking his initial experiences. Persistence paid off in 2016, when he finally earned selection at the JKCA trials, a moment that proved pivotal for his career.
Breakthrough in Domestic Cricket
Dar made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2020, announcing himself on the big stage with an impressive three-wicket spell against Karnataka in the quarter-final. Though he went wicketless in the second innings, his control and discipline stood out. That season ended with Dar collecting 24 wickets from seven matches, averaging just 18.50, including two five-wicket hauls.
Despite the promising start, Dar’s red-ball career hit an unexpected pause. For nearly two years, he did not feature in first-class cricket, raising questions about his future. The setback, however, only sharpened his resolve.
A Season That Changed Everything
The turnaround arrived in spectacular fashion during the last Ranji Trophy season, where Dar dominated batting line-ups with relentless consistency. He finished the campaign with 49 wickets from nine matches at an outstanding average of 13.08, firmly establishing himself as one of India’s most dangerous domestic fast bowlers.
His form carried into the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, representing North Zone, where he scripted history by becoming the first bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive deliveries against East Zone. That feat placed him in elite company, making him only the third player to register a hat-trick-plus in the tournament after Kapil Dev and Sairaj Bahutule.
A New Chapter with Delhi Capitals
Auqib Dar’s IPL contract is more than a financial milestone, it is recognition of resilience, patience, and sustained excellence. As he steps into the IPL spotlight with Delhi Capitals, the Kashmir pacer carries not just pace in his arm, but a story that reflects the depth of India’s domestic cricket talent.
