Why did Auqib Nabi miss LSG vs DC clash of IPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals bought Auqib Nabi in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are clashing in match 5 of the Indian Premier League 2026, which got underway on April 1 (Wednesday) at Bharat Ratna Shree Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
DC captain Axar Patel won the toss and opted to field first in the encounter. Notably, pacer Auqib Nabi was not part of DC’s playing XI in the clash.
The Capitals bought the right-arm pacer in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. They shelled out the INR 8.40 crore to grab the uncapped pacer in their squad. He was one of the costliest uncapped players in the auction.
Last month, Nabi grabbed the spotlight after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 with 60 wickets in 10 matches. He was part of the champions, Jammu & Kashmir side. He played a crucial role in leading the team to their first-ever title in the tournament’s history.
Nabi has never played in the IPL and will make his debut in the 2026 edition. However, he did not get the opportunity to make his debut in DC’s opening game against LSG.
Why did Auqib Nabi miss the LSG vs DC clash?
Notably, Auqib Nabi was overlooked by DC due to the team combination. They have picked experienced pacers like Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, and Mukesh Kumar for the match.
Axar Patel & Co. are already short of Mitchell Starc at the start, and they did not take any risk with their bowling unit in the opening game.
DC playing XI vs LSG: KL Rahul (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.
Meanwhile, backing his decision to bowl first, Axar said at the toss, “We will bowl first. First match, fresh wicket, it’s a red solid wicket and might help in the first 6 overs. Data says a lot of matches are won by the team batting first, but we thought it’s the first game and we will bowl. We started well last time, but we slipped in the middle, we’re not thinking too far ahead”.
Is Auqib Nabi part of DC’s playing XI vs LSG?
No, Auqib Nabi is not part of DC’s playing XI vs LSG.
Who won the toss in the LSG vs DC clash of IPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals won the toss and opted to field first.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.