Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund has lauded Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Dar for earning his long-awaited breakthrough on the Indian Premier League (IPL) stage after being snapped up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore at the recent mini-auction.
Mukund believes Delhi Capitals identified Auqib as the ideal new-ball partner for Australian speedster Mitchell Starc ahead of the upcoming IPL season. According to him, the franchise needed a power play specialist capable of providing early breakthroughs—and Auqib fits that role perfectly.
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Starting at a base price of Rs 30 lakh, Auqib triggered a fierce bidding war involving Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, before DC eventually secured the 29-year-old pacer from Baramulla.
“I am very happy for Auqib Dar. He has served Jammu and Kashmir cricket for a long time and has finally earned his chance on the biggest stage,” Mukund said.
“Delhi Capitals needed strong powerplay bowling options. Some people question his death bowling, but that will improve with exposure—especially at a demanding ground like Delhi. After last season’s injury issues with Natarajan, they went for multiple pacers. They needed someone to open the bowling with Mitchell Starc, and that’s the role they see for Auqib. It’s a heartwarming story.”
A consistent wicket-taker across formats in domestic cricket over the past few seasons, Auqib is known primarily as a swing bowler. More recently, however, the Jammu and Kashmir quick has added new layers to his skill set, including sharper execution at the death, an improvement that significantly enhanced his market value.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal echoed Mukund’s assessment, stressing that the franchise was actively looking for a bowler who could move the ball early.
“We needed someone who swings the ball and gets early breakthroughs, and Auqib Dar was the perfect candidate for that role,” Jindal said.
“That’s why we tracked him closely throughout the domestic season. He’s an exciting talent, and we went all out for him. We’re really happy to bring in a player from Jammu and Kashmir.”
