NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals pacer Auqib Nabi said encouraging words from the franchise’s coaching staff during pre-auction trials, particularly from head coach Hemang Badani, gave him the self-belief that an IPL call-up was within reach if he kept performing in domestic cricket.
Nabi, who was picked for Rs 8.4 crore by DC in last year’s auction in Abu Dhabi after years of going unsold and having net bowling stints instead, had a sensational time in the 2025/25 domestic season - picking 60 wickets to make Jammu & Kashmir win their maiden Ranji Trophy title and taking four wickets in four balls for North Zone in a Duleep Trophy game in Bengaluru.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Nabi showed that apart from swing, he can fire yorkers, including wide ones, to pick 15 wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 7.41. He also chipped in with a cameo 32 off 21 balls against Madhya Pradesh, showing that he can contribute with the bat whenever needed.
"I think when I gave the trials for Delhi Capitals, I spoke to all the coaches. There was a very positive response from everyone about me and that now they are watching me. My season was also very good and when I came back after playing in Duleep Trophy, I went for the trials for Delhi Capitals.