3 teams who should target in-form Auqib Nabi in IPL 2026 Auction ft. SRH

Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has been making waves in domestic cricket with his consistent performances. In the ongoing 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the right-arm quick has been particularly impressive.

Across five matches, J&K have won three, with Nabi playing a key role. He has taken 11 wickets, the most for his team, at an average of 13.54, a strike rate of 10.27, and an economy of 7.91. His best figures of 4/16 came against Bihar.

With this strong run of form, Nabi is expected to draw attention at the upcoming IPL 2026 auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. On that note, here is a look at three teams that should target the 29-year-old in the IPL 2026 Auction.

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#1 Delhi Capitals (DC)

The first team that should target Auqib Nabi is Delhi Capitals (DC). The franchise already has Mitchell Starc and Dushmantha Chameera as their overseas pacers, but they released Mohit Sharma, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on December 3. This leaves DC with just two experienced Indian pacers, Mukesh Kumar and T. Natarajan.

While Mukesh took 12 wickets in 12 games during IPL 2025, he struggled with his economy, conceding 10.32 runs per over, and his overall IPL economy after 32 games stands at 10.39. In the ongoing 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he played two matches and returned figures of 1/41 and 0/53, reflecting his poor form.

T. Natarajan, on the other hand, bowled just three overs in IPL 2025 after missing most of the season due to injury. He has been more effective in SMAT, taking seven wickets in five games at an average of 21.42, a strike rate of 16.28, and an economy of 7.89. With DC currently relying on just these two Indian pacers, one struggling for form and the other injury-prone, the team will likely look to invest in another domestic seamer, and Auqib Nabi fits the bill perfectly.

Although Auqib Nabi may not bowl express pace, he can swing the new ball effectively, similar to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and has the potential to form a strong opening bowling pair with Starc, making him an ideal target for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 auction.

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#2 SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Much like Delhi Capitals, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) also appear light on Indian seam bowling options. The franchise traded Mohammad Shami to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and released Simarjeet Singh, leaving them with Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat as their primary Indian pacers.

In terms of overseas options, they have skipper Pat Cummins, Brydon Carse, and Eshan Malinga. However, with only four foreign players allowed in the XI, it becomes difficult to accommodate all of them, especially as Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen are key batters. This means the team will likely look for additional cover for Harshal and Unadkat.

In this context, Auqib Nabi emerges as an ideal target. He has been in excellent form recently, consistently taking wickets in domestic cricket. Nabi can take the new ball, a role SRH currently lacks with Harshal Patel primarily used in the death overs. Auqib Nabi’s inclusion would allow the management to rotate their bowlers more effectively and make full use of his consistency and current form.

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#3 Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The final team that should consider targeting the J&K pacer is Rajasthan Royals (RR). The franchise endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, finishing ninth. Ahead of the 2026 auction, they traded Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and brought in Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. With Curran’s arrival, RR now have a solid overseas pace unit featuring Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, and Kwena Maphaka.

However, their Indian pace department looks thin. Sandeep Sharma had a modest 2025 season, taking just nine wickets in 10 games, although he has been impressive in the ongoing SMAT with 11 wickets in five matches.

The other two pacers, Tushar Deshpande (nine wickets in 10 games at an economy of 10.62) and Yudhvir Singh Charak (four wickets in four games at an economy of 11.90), struggled for consistency. This means RR will be keen to strengthen their Indian seam options, making Auqib Nabi a strong candidate.

The 29-year-old can partner Jofra Archer with the new ball, providing early breakthroughs and supporting the attack throughout the 20 overs. Adding Auqib Nabi to the squad will give RR greater flexibility to rotate their bowlers, and if any seamer goes through a lean patch, they will have a reliable Indian option ready to step in and make an impact.