Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is set to make his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals after a strong domestic season. He recalled humble beginnings, bowling on roads, and inspiration from Dale Steyn. Nabi gained attention with a rare four-wicket streak in the Duleep Trophy and aims to use IPL as a step towards playing for India.

Auqib Nabi, the Jammu and Kashmir speedster, is all set to make his TATA IPL 2026 debut with the Delhi Capitals following a stellar domestic season. Speaking on JioStar’s ‘TATA IPL: Dream On’, Auqib Nabi, along with JioStar expert Irfan Pathan, recounted his humble beginnings, drawing inspiration from Parvez Rasool and Dale Steyn, as well as his emotional auction moment.

Speaking on JioStar's ‘TATA IPL: Dream On’, Delhi Capitals pacer Auqib Nabi opened up on his childhood and what drove him to become a fast bowler:

"I started playing cricket with tennis balls when I was in 5th or 6th grade. There was no specific place in Baramulla for practice. So we used to play on the road or on a small school ground. I used to watch Dale Steyn a lot when I was young. The way he swung the ball at such high pace inspired me to become a fast bowler and hopefully, play for India one day. I used to get scolded a lot by my father for constantly playing cricket because I didn't have his support. He wanted me to become a doctor."

On the inspiration he got from Parvez Rasool and Irfan Pathan: