New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): Auqib Nabi is all set to make his Indian Premier League (IPL) 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)