NEW DELHI
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Dar will make his IPL debut after Delhi Capitals bought him for Rs 8.40 crore in the recent mini-auction. Former India opener Abhinav Mukund praised the move, saying Dar fills the key role of opening the bowling alongside veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc.
Starting at a base price of Rs 30 lakh, Dar sparked a bidding war involving Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad before DC secured his services. The 29-year-old’s consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly his swing bowling, have made him a sought-after talent.
Mukund highlighted that Dar’s inclusion is both strategic and inspiring. “Delhi Capitals needed powerplay bowling options. Some question his death bowling, but he will learn at a tough ground like Delhi. After last year’s Natarajan injury issues, they wanted multiple pacers. They needed someone to open with Starc, and that is the role they see for him,” Mukund said.
Recently, Dar has added new skills to his arsenal, including improved death-over bowling, which significantly increased his IPL value. Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal said the team tracked Dar throughout the domestic season. “We needed someone who swings the ball and gets early breakthroughs. Auqib Dar is the perfect candidate. We are excited to have him from Jammu and Kashmir,” Jindal added.
The upcoming IPL season will provide Dar a major platform to showcase his talent on the biggest stage of Indian cricket.