The biggest surprise of the IPL Auction 2026 might NOT be a superstar… but an uncapped bowler from Jammu & Kashmir. Auqib Nabi, with 15 wickets in 7 SMAT matches and an economy of 7.41, has become one of the hottest names before the auction. His ability to swing the new ball and contribute with the bat has put him on the radar of multiple IPL franchises. Several teams have already called him for trials — and the question now is: who will go the hardest for him?
Why KKR? They have the biggest purse and are rebuilding. Nabi could become a premium Indian new-ball bowler for them.
Why Delhi Capitals? Even with Starc and Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar struggled last season. With a ₹22 crore purse, DC can easily go ₹8 crore+ for Nabi.
Why Sunrisers Hyderabad? After moving on from Shami, SRH need a new-ball wicket-taker. Nabi fits perfectly and could fetch ₹8–9 crore from them.
Why Rajasthan Royals? They need an Indian pacer but lack a big purse. Still, they remain interested.
With demand rising, Auqib Nabi might become one of the most expensive uncapped players ever in an IPL auction. This is going to be very interesting.
