IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians keep eye on J&K pacer ahead of mini-auction

In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians have begun their preparations in full swing by calling Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi for a trial at their training facility in Mumbai. MI have been highly active during the pre-season window, completing several trades already and shaping most of their squad well before the auction.

The 29-year-old is yet to feature in the IPL, but the upcoming season could mark his maiden appearance. His impressive domestic form has made him one of the most talked-about players in the circuit. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025–26, the right-arm pacer has taken 29 wickets in nine innings, including three five-wicket hauls. His ability to contribute with the bat further enhances his value, as he has scored 146 runs in seven innings, including a crucial half-century.

Jammu and Kashmir have seen a significant rise in cricketing talent in recent years, producing players such as Rasikh Salam, Abdul Samad, Yudhvir Singh, and Umran Malik. Nabi’s standout performances have been instrumental in J&K’s strong campaign thus far in this season, with the team currently placed second on the points table behind Mumbai with 20 points in five matches, suffering only one defeat.

With MI left with a purse of INR 2.75 crore, Nabi becomes a strategic option who fits their requirement of strengthening the bowling department without stretching their budget. The trials before the auction are not new in the IPL ecosystem, Chennai Super Kings had invited Ayush Mhatre for trials last season before signing him mid-tournament as an injury replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad.

MI’s pre-season activity has also included notable trades, Mayank Markande from Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 30 lakh, Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans for INR 2.6 crore, and Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore. These moves have helped shape their core, and with careful spending in the upcoming auction, they will look to add impactful players like Nabi to complete a well-balanced squad for IPL 2026.