Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has backed Jammu & Kashmir fast-bowler Auqib Nabi to come good for the franchise ahead of their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Nabi endured a modest start to his IPL career, going wicketless while conceding 17 runs in his two overs against Chennai Super Kings. Despite the quiet debut, Nabi continues to enjoy strong backing from the team management.
The fast bowler has been in the spotlight following his impressive performances in the domestic circuit, helping J&K to their maiden Ranji Trophy title. He was, in fact, the leading wicket-taker during the 2025–26 red-ball season, claiming 60 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.56. He also achieved a double hat-trick for North Zone during the Duleep Trophy. These exploits prompted multiple franchises to bid for him at last year’s auction, with Delhi Capitals eventually securing his services for Rs 8.40 crore, underlining the high expectations surrounding him.
“Everyone has nerves in the first game. I felt he had similar nerves in that match. But I think he is somebody who will do well for us,” Badani said ahead of the RCB clash.
Badani explained that the franchise’s interest in Nabi was driven as much by his temperament as his skill set. “One is his temperament. I have seen him remain consistent regardless of what has happened, whether good or bad. He has stayed the same and maintained equilibrium,” Badani noted. “The other is his consistency with line and length. He has the skill set to succeed at a higher level.”
DELHI CAPITALS LOOKING FOR MOMENTUM?
Delhi Capitals have had a stop-start campaign so far, registering two wins and two losses. However, Badani dismissed the idea that momentum is the defining factor in a tournament like the IPL. “There is a lot of conversation about momentum in tournaments like this. A lot of the coaching staff and even broadcasters talk about momentum,” he said. “But I think it is more about identifying the areas of concern for a side.”
He added that the team’s batting unit is not a major worry, pointing to their ability to consistently post totals in excess of 180 as a positive sign heading into the crucial phase of the season. “It is a question of one of our batters coming good at that point in time. I think we will be okay,” he adds.
After their game against RCB, DC will travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 21.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– Ends
Tune In
