Indian selection not my focus: Auqib Nabi vows to lift DC's maiden IPL title
IPL 2026: A national team call-up is not on pacer Auqib Nabi's mind ahead of his maiden season in the Indian Premier League. Nabi says that if he does well in his IPL stint with DC, a call-up will naturally arrive.
Auqib Nabi Dhar, the most talked-about uncapped Indian player in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, has stated that a national call-up is not on his mind at the moment. Speaking at a pre-season media interaction, Nabi said he is focused on his mission of doing well in his maiden IPL stint, where he hopes to help Delhi Capitals win their first title.
Nabi further added that while a national call-up remains every cricketer's dream, it is merely a by-product of consistent performances throughout the season.
“The red-ball selection is not in my hands; it is a by-product of how you perform during the domestic season,” Nabi told India Today during a media session on Friday, March 27.
Nabi said that his complete focus is on the IPL, where he wants to help Delhi lift their maiden title in the tournament.
“I am not focused on anything that is not in my hands. Right now, my sole focus is on the IPL, where I want to help Delhi Capitals win their maiden IPL title.”
AUQIB LIKELY TO OPEN BOWLING FOR DC
Auqib Nabi stormed into the limelight after consistent performances in the domestic circuit elevated his stature within Indian cricketing circles. Nicknamed the Baramulla Express, he recently played a pivotal role with both bat and ball in helping Jammu & Kashmir secure a historic Ranji Trophy title.
The fast bowler has been lauded for his impeccable and consistent line and length, taking 60 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 12.65 in the recently completed Ranji Trophy season.
These exploits have firmly put his name in contention for the national red-ball setup. Building on this momentum, Auqib was picked up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.4 crore in the mini auction late last year.
“I am not focused on the talks going around,” he said, referring to speculation about his inclusion in the Indian red-ball team. “Right now, I am completely focused on my preparations and continuing to play good cricket by backing my strengths.”
With Mitchell Starc likely to miss the initial part of the tournament, which spans 74 matches, it is likely that the responsibility of opening the bowling for Delhi Capitals could fall on Auqib.
“I will be keeping things simple while backing my strengths to swing the ball both ways. In doing that, I am hoping to get Delhi Capitals early breakthroughs with the new ball,” he concluded.
Auqib Nabi and Delhi Capitals are set to begin their IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
Auqib Nabi Dhar, the most talked-about uncapped Indian player in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, has stated that a national call-up is not on his mind at the moment. Speaking at a pre-season media interaction, Nabi said he is focused on his mission of doing well in his maiden IPL stint, where he hopes to help Delhi Capitals win their first title.
Nabi further added that while a national call-up remains every cricketer's dream, it is merely a by-product of consistent performances throughout the season.
“The red-ball selection is not in my hands; it is a by-product of how you perform during the domestic season,” Nabi told India Today during a media session on Friday, March 27.
Nabi said that his complete focus is on the IPL, where he wants to help Delhi lift their maiden title in the tournament.
“I am not focused on anything that is not in my hands. Right now, my sole focus is on the IPL, where I want to help Delhi Capitals win their maiden IPL title.”
AUQIB LIKELY TO OPEN BOWLING FOR DC
Auqib Nabi stormed into the limelight after consistent performances in the domestic circuit elevated his stature within Indian cricketing circles. Nicknamed the Baramulla Express, he recently played a pivotal role with both bat and ball in helping Jammu & Kashmir secure a historic Ranji Trophy title.
The fast bowler has been lauded for his impeccable and consistent line and length, taking 60 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 12.65 in the recently completed Ranji Trophy season.
These exploits have firmly put his name in contention for the national red-ball setup. Building on this momentum, Auqib was picked up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.4 crore in the mini auction late last year.
“I am not focused on the talks going around,” he said, referring to speculation about his inclusion in the Indian red-ball team. “Right now, I am completely focused on my preparations and continuing to play good cricket by backing my strengths.”
With Mitchell Starc likely to miss the initial part of the tournament, which spans 74 matches, it is likely that the responsibility of opening the bowling for Delhi Capitals could fall on Auqib.
“I will be keeping things simple while backing my strengths to swing the ball both ways. In doing that, I am hoping to get Delhi Capitals early breakthroughs with the new ball,” he concluded.
Auqib Nabi and Delhi Capitals are set to begin their IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
