New Delhi: When the auctioneer announced his name, Auqib Nabi was sitting with his family at their home in Baramulla. True to his reserved nature, he hadn’t told his friends or family that he was home because he knew the reaction would be emotional and chaotic.
Delhi Capitals eventually acquired him for a whopping $8.4 crores. While guests arrived to congratulate his family, he locked himself in the bedroom. He watched from the window, excited, as his loved ones danced and celebrated.
One of the most talked about names this season, Nabi will be making his IPL debut after an incredible Ranji season with Jammu & Kashmir where he took 60 wickets. After playing as a bowler with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders over the last few seasons, he is expected to be a key member of the Delhi Capitals set-up and is aware of the expectations even as the standard improves.
“There is definitely less margin for error in the IPL,” Nabi told reporters in a virtual interaction. “Domestic cricket is a challenge, but you can’t make mistakes here. You have to work on them. The fewer mistakes, the better.”
Nabi is credited with being the main architect of J&K’s historic Ranji victory and with DC, he has his sights set on taking them where they have never gone before – winning their first IPL title.
“My strength is my ability to swing the new ball. At the back end, you need to be able to bowl yorkers and slower deliveries, so that’s what I’m working on,” he said. “I won’t stray too far from my strengths and keep things simple and hopefully get DC their first trophy.”
Coach Hemang Badani had already hinted to Nabi during the trials that they were interested in acquiring his services and would go out of their way for him. He ended up becoming one of the most expensive uncapped players purchased at the auction. Nabi is confident of repaying their faith and is currently focusing on getting back into the swing of white-ball bowling, having played with the red ball for over two and a half months.
“It wasn’t about money. I just wanted to play the IPL, it didn’t matter if they bought me for $30 lakhs.”
Three years ago, when the J&K Cricket Association hired a dedicated bowling coach, P. Krishna Kumar, Nabi got his first glimpse of what a professional coach could do.
Early conversations with DC bowling coach Munaf Patel were positive and indicated that he should not change too many things. A good performance in the IPL could further strengthen his case among the selectors for a possible India call-up.
“Performance in the IPL is very important because it is a global league now, but I think Test selection still depends on domestic performance in red-ball cricket. I have done well on that front,” Nabi said. “I’m not thinking too much about whether I’ll be selected or not, but I’m focusing on what’s under my control.”
“Playing for India is my ultimate goal and winning matches for India will be a dream come true. But the current focus is on the IPL and winning a trophy for my team.”