Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi to deliver the goods in Mitchell Starc’s absence for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. Delhi Capitals recently confirmed that there has been no communication with Cricket Australia regarding Starc’s participation in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Nabi was picked by Delhi Capitals for INR 8.40 crore in the auction. The right-arm fast bowler scalped 60 wickets in 10 Ranji Trophy 2025-26 matches at an average of 12.57. Thus, he played an instrumental role in taking Jammu and Kashmir to glory.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “He lands the ball in the good length area and has the performances to show as well. He won the Ranji Trophy with Jammu & Kashmir. We will not judge without giving him a chance. I would love to see him get a chance. I have 100% belief that he can do something with the new ball.

“Since you don’t have Mitchell Starc in the squad [for the initial games], you definitely need a bowler with a new ball. I think he can bowl with the new ball. Along with him, you have someone like Mukesh Kumar, who can open the bowling. To close out the powerplay, you have Lungi Ngidi and Axar Patel. To take care of the middle overs, you have Kuldeep Yadav,” Ashwin added.

Ashwin reckons Delhi Capitals could not utilise Ashutosh Sharma properly in the previous season and wants the franchise to make the most of the batter’s finishing abilities.

He concluded, “They didn’t use Ashutosh Sharma properly last year. So, I hope Ashutosh Sharma gets that finisher role consistently and plays in the team. You have Vipraj Nigam as well. He did well last year. He fought a lot and has a good temperament. So, I want to see how the second season will be for him.”

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at Lucknow on 1st April.