In IPL 2026, Aaqib Nabi was bought by Delhi Capitals for a huge price of Rs 8.4 crore. Although this player did not get a chance in the first match against Lucknow, there is no doubt that Aaqib Nabi will be seen in the field soon. Aaqib Nabi told in an interview that he has learned a lot by watching videos of Dale Steyn’s bowling. Also, former fast bowler Irfan Pathan told why Aaqib Nabi is a very dangerous bowler and what is there in him that even Bumrah-Shami do not have.
How is Aaqib Nabi different from Bumrah?
Irfan Pathan told that Aaqib Nabi is different from other international bowlers. Nabi has the power which even Shami-Bumrah does not have. Irfan Pathan said, ‘I saw Aaqib Nabi for the first time in the year 2018. I was the mentor of Jammu and Kashmir cricket team at that time and we wanted to create a strong pool of 8-10 fast bowlers. Aaqib Nabi was an important bowler among those fast bowlers and the most important thing was that Nabi used to bowl long spells, especially in junior cricket and Under 23 cricket, he could bowl continuously.
Pathan said, ‘Nabi has the power to swing the ball late. The seam position of most international bowlers is straight, which also includes Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Aaqib Nabi is a little different, his speed is not more than 140 but his ball comes out fast after falling on the pitch. He bowls near the stumps and he constantly swings the ball outside and suddenly brings a ball inside which troubles the batsman. If this is true and Aaqib Nabi performs well in IPL 2026, then he may soon get a chance in Team India. Even in Ranji Trophy, Aaqib Nabi had taken the maximum of 60 wickets. If Pathan described the specialty of Nabi’s bowling, then he can do wonders in the World Cup to be held in South Africa in 2027. However, his chances of getting selected are less.
Nabi is a fan of Dale Steyn
Aaqib Nabi told that he is a fan of former South African fast bowler Aaqib Nabi. His fast out swing inspired him to become a cricketer. Talking to GeoHotstar, Nabi said, ‘When I was young, I used to watch Dale Sang a lot. The way he used to swing the ball at high speed inspired me to become a fast bowler, hopefully one day I will play for India. Nabi further said that he had to face a lot of scolding from his father because he wanted him to become a doctor. Nabi further said that Irfan Pathan helped him a lot in reaching a bigger level. It was because of him that he came to the Ranji team of Jammu and Kashmir and his tips were very useful to Nabi.