In an important development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, five-time champions Mumbai Indians have started their preparations in full swing by calling up a fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir. Auqib Nabi For testing at their training facility in Mumbai. MI have been highly active during the pre-season window, having already completed several trades and shaping the majority of their squad ahead of the auction.
The 29-year-old is yet to feature in the IPL but could make his debut in the upcoming season. His impressive domestic form has made him one of the most talked-about players on 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 adds to his importance, as he has scored 146 runs in seven innings, including an important half-century.
Jammu and Kashmir has seen a significant growth in cricket talent in recent years, producing players like Rasikh Salam, Abdul Samad, Yudhveer Singh and Umran Malik. Nabi's exceptional performances have been crucial in J&K's strong campaign so far this season, with the team currently second behind Mumbai in the points table with 20 points from five matches, and having suffered only one defeat.
With Mumbai Indians having a purse of Rs 2.75 crore left, Nabi becomes a strategic option that fulfills their need to strengthen the bowling department without increasing their budget. Trial before auction is nothing new in 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 also included notable trades including Mayank Markandey from Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 30 lakh, Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans for Rs 2.6 crore, and Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 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.
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