Mumbai, April 3 – Auqib Nabi, a fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, shared his humble beginnings, citing Parvez Rasool and Dale Steyn as inspirations. He also credited Irfan Pathan, a former Indian cricketer, for his debut with the state team. Delhi Capitals' pacer Auqib Nabi discussed his childhood and the factors that led him to become a fast bowler.
"I started playing cricket with tennis balls when I was in 5th or 6th grade. There was no dedicated practice facility in Baramulla. So, we used to play on the road or on a small school ground. I was a big fan of Dale Steyn when I was younger. The way he bowled at such a high pace inspired me to become a fast bowler, and hopefully, one day play for India. My father often scolded me for constantly playing cricket because he wanted me to become a doctor," Nabi told 'JioStar'.
Regarding his inspiration from Parvez Rasool and Irfan Pathan, Nabi said, "Parvez Rasool made his debut for India after performing well for RCB in the IPL. Seeing him do that motivated me to play for India. Parvez bhai is someone from our local village in Jammu and Kashmir. I made my debut for the Under-19 team during the Jammu and Kashmir cricket trials. I didn't have spiked shoes at that time, so I borrowed a pair from a senior.
"He had his trials in the first half, and I had mine in the second half. I made my debut for Jammu and Kashmir wearing the spiked shoes I had borrowed from a friend. When Irfan bhai joined as the mentor for Jammu and Kashmir, I was in the Under-23 team, and my performances there caught his attention. He helped me make my debut for the Jammu and Kashmir senior team. He was very supportive and gave me valuable tips. He is a legend of Team India, and I had a great experience with Irfan bhai," he added.
Nabi was picked by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.2 crore in the mini auction held in Dubai last year. On the emotional moment of being selected in the IPL auction after his Duleep Trophy performance, Nabi said, "This year, I achieved a rare record in the Duleep Trophy while representing the North Zone team. I took four wickets in four consecutive balls. After that, my name was all over the media. Once that happened, I gained confidence that I might get picked in the IPL auction.
"On auction day, I was at home with my family, watching the auction. When my name came up, no one picked up the paddle for a few seconds. So, I thought it's okay, I will work hard and make sure I don't go unsold. But after a few seconds, the teams picked up the paddle. Everyone at home got emotional. It was the culmination of years of hard work. The pressure of the price tag is gone. I just wanted to play in the IPL and now I want to make a name for myself and play for India," he added.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan recalled the first time he saw Nabi and what impressed him, "I first saw Auqib Nabi in 2018. When I was the mentor of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, we wanted a strong group of eight to ten fast bowlers. We wanted to build a strong team, and Auqib was one of the key fast bowlers. When I saw him for the first time, the most important thing was that he bowled long spells, especially in Under-23 and junior cricket. He was very impressive. Secondly, his ability to move the ball late was also impressive."
Speaking on why Nabi's bowling is effective despite not bowling at a speed of 140 kmph, he said, "Maintaining the bowling action within the body plane or structure is something I emphasize a lot. Auqib Nabi has that bowling action as well. His hand does not come out of his shoulder. When that happens, your line automatically improves. Nabi's line is amazing. Secondly, his seam position.
"The zero-seam position, especially with the new ball, generates a lot of movement. Since his wrist position is excellent, he bowls with a straight seam. Many international bowlers have a straight seam, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Auqib Nabi may not have a speed of 140 kmph, but the way he bowls, it quickens off the surface after pitching. Bowling close to the stumps, he can swing it away consistently and also surprise batsmen with the one that comes in, and that is a major strength of Auqib Nabi," he said.