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Delhi Capitals' (DC) newly recruited fast bowler Auqib Nabi has credited former India pacer Irfan Pathan for playing a key role in his cricket journey. Speaking to JioStar ahead of Delhi’s home game against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Nabi said Pathan’s mentorship back in 2018 helped him break into the Jammu and Kashmir senior team.
Nabi's father wanted him to become doctor
Nabi opened up about his early life, revealing that he didn’t have much support from his family. His father wanted him to become a doctor, but Nabi was inspired by watching Dale Steyn on TV and dreamed of playing for India as a fast bowler.
"I used to watch Dale Steyn a lot when I was young. The way he swung the ball at such high pace inspired me to become a fast bowler and hopefully play for India one day," Nabi said.
"I used to get scolded a lot by my father for constantly playing cricket because I didn't have his support. He wanted me to become a doctor," the 29-year-old added.
When Nabi's career changed?
Nabi’s career changed when Pathan joined the Jammu and Kashmir team as a mentor. Nabi said Pathan noticed his performances in the Under-23 team and guided him to the senior squad.
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"When Irfan bhai joined as mentor of Jammu and Kashmir, I was in the Under-23 team and my performances there got his attention. He helped me make my debut for the Jammu and Kashmir senior team. He used to guide me a lot by giving me tips and was very helpful," Nabi explained.
Pathan, now a commentator, said he wanted to build a strong pool of fast bowlers for J&K, and Nabi was a key part of that plan.
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"I saw Auqib Nabi for the first time in 2018. When I was the mentor of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, we wanted to have a strong group of eight to ten fast bowlers," Pathan said.
Pathan praised Nabi’s consistency and skill: "The most important thing was that he used to bowl long spells, especially in Under-23 and junior cricket. He was very impressive. Secondly, his ability to move the ball late was very impressive."
He added that Nabi’s seam and swing abilities set him apart.
"Many international bowlers have a straight seam, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Auqib Nabi may not have the pace of 140 kmph, but the way he bowls, it quickens off the surface after pitching," Pathan explained.
"Bowling close to the stumps, he can swing it away consistently and also surprise batters with the one that comes in, and that is a major strength of Auqib Nabi," he said.
Nabi's performance in Ranji Trophy 2025-26
Nabi’s performances for Jammu and Kashmir in last season’s Ranji Trophy were exceptional. He was the standout bowler, troubling teams with his swing and pace, and picked up five wickets in the final, playing a crucial role in the win.
His impressive season earned him a huge Rs 8.40 crore bid in the IPL auction from Delhi Capitals. He is also in contention to make his India debut this year.
Delhi Capitals, however, did not play him in their first match of the season. Fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, and T Natarajan led the attack against the Lucknow Super Giants. Nabi is expected to make his debut in the next few games.
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