NewKerala.com

Irfan Pathan Reveals First Impression of J&K's IPL Star Auqib Nabi

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his first impressions of Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, recalling his long spells and late movement from their time together in 2018. Nabi, the leading wicket-taker in the recent Ranji Trophy with 60 scalps, was instrumental in J&K's historic title win. His domestic heroics earned him an Rs 8.4 crore deal with the Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL season. Pathan detailed the technical strengths of Nabi's bowling, including his in-line action, straight seam, and ability to quicken off the pitch despite not being an express pace bowler.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan on Auqib Nabi's IPL Debut & Bowling Secrets

  • Nabi set for IPL debut with Delhi Capitals
  • Pathan mentored him in J&K setup in 2018
  • Took 60 wickets in Ranji Trophy 2025-26
  • Praised for line, seam position & late movement
  • Bought for Rs 8.4 crore in 2026 auction
2 min read

"When I saw him for the first time...": Irfan Pathan on J-K pacer Auqib Nabi

Irfan Pathan recalls first seeing Auqib Nabi, praises his line, seam position, and spells that helped J&K win the Ranji Trophy. Nabi joins DC for IPL.

"When I saw him for the first time...": Irfan Pathan on J-K pacer Auqib Nabi
"When I saw him for the first time, the most important thing was that he used to bowl long spells - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, April 3

Auqib Nabi is all set to make his Indian Premier League debut for Delhi Capitals this year after a brilliant domestic season, which saw Jammu and Kashmir win their first-ever Ranji Trophy title.

Speaking on JioStar, the former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan recalled the first time he saw Auqib Nabi and what impressed him.

"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. We wanted to make a big group, and Auqib was one of the key fast bowlers. When I saw him for the first time, 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," said Pathan.

The 29-year-old Nabi claimed 60 wickets for his side in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, which helped Jammu and Kashmir win their first-ever domestic title. He recorded these wickets over 10 matches (17 innings) at an average of 12.56, including seven five-wicket hauls, becoming the tournament's top wicket-taker.

After his domestic heroics, he was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.4 crore in the 2026 IPL auction.

Nabi did not bowl at a very high pace, but his length and line of the deliveries are what separate him from other fast bowlers.

Speaking on why Auqib Nabi's bowling is effective despite not bowling at a speed of 140 kmph, Pathan said, "The bowling action remaining within the body plane or structure is something I stress on a lot. Auqib Nabi has that bowling action as well. His hand does not go out of his shoulder. When that happens, your line automatically improves. Nabi's line is amazing. Secondly, his seam position. The zero-seam position, especially with the new ball, generates a lot of movement."

"Since his wrist position is amazing, he bowls with a straight seam. Many international bowlers have a straight seam, including the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Auqib Nabi may not have a speed of 140 kmph, but the way he bowls, it quickens off the surface after pitching. 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," Pathan concluded.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Irfan Pathan's analysis is always so insightful. He's right, speed isn't everything. Nabi's control, seam position, and ability to move the ball late are classic skills that can trouble the best batters. Excited to see him in the DC blue!
V
Vikram M
60 wickets at an average of 12.56 is no joke! That's a phenomenal season. It proves our domestic cricket structure is strong. Hope he gets good guidance at Delhi Capitals and doesn't get lost in the IPL glamour. The real test begins now.
P
Priya S
Love stories like these! 🏏 From a region not traditionally known as a cricket powerhouse to creating history. Irfan bhai's mentorship must have been crucial. Wishing Auqib all the best. Hope he becomes a role model for many more kids in Jammu & Kashmir.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I hope the hype is managed well. The IPL price tag brings immense pressure. We've seen many domestic stars fade after one big auction. His skills sound solid, but let's see how he handles the big stage and power hitters on flat pitches.
K
Karthik V
Comparing his seam position to Bumrah and Shami? That's high praise from Irfan. If he can even be half as effective, Delhi Capitals have got a gem. His ability to bowl long spells is a dying art in T20 cricket. Could be a secret weapon in the middle overs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50