Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has backed Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi to perform well for the franchise ahead of the clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Nabi made a modest start to his IPL careerCould not take any wicket for 17 runs in his two overs against Chennai Super Kings. Despite a quiet debut, Nabi is receiving strong support from the team management.

This fast bowler is in the headlines after his brilliant performance in the domestic circuit and leading Jammu and Kashmir to the Ranji Trophy title for the first time. In fact, he was the leading wicket-taker during the 2025–26 red-ball season, with 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 many franchises to bid for him in last year’s auction Delhi Capitals eventually acquired his services for Rs 8.40 crore, Underscoring the high expectations around you.

“Everyone was nervous in the first game. I thought he had the same nervousness in that match as well. But I think he is a player who will do well for us,” Badani said ahead of the clash with RCB.

Badani explained that the franchise’s interest in Nabi was driven by his skills as well as his temperament. Badani said, “One is his nature. I have seen that no matter what has happened, whether good or bad, he has remained consistent. He has remained the same and has maintained his balance.” “The second thing is his consistency with line and length. He has the skills to succeed at a higher level.”

Delhi Capitals looking for momentum?

Delhi Capitals have had a stop-start campaign so far, Two wins and two losses were recorded. However, Badani rejected the idea that speed is the deciding factor in such tournaments. IPL. “There’s a lot of talk about pace in tournaments like this. A lot of the coaching staff and even the broadcasters talk about pace,” he said. “But I think it’s more about identifying areas of concern for either side.”

He said the team’s batting unit is not a major concern, pointing to their ability to consistently post scores of over 180 as a positive sign at the crucial stage of the season. He further said, “It is a question of one of our batsmen performing well at that time. I think we will be fine.”

after their game against rcbDC will travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

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