IPL 2026: “Small-Town Players Getting Recognition Feels Special” - Mukesh Kumar on Auqib Nabi Dar’s Rise | Exclusive

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New Delhi, March 26: Since its inception, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a stage where dreams from small towns find global recognition. There are countless such stories when the lucrative domestic T20 league provided a platform to the players from hinterlands of India.

For India cricketer Mukesh Kumar, who himself hails from a small village in from Bihar's Gopalganj district, the story of his fellow Delhi Capitals pacer Auqib Nabi Dar is a reminder of that journey - one built on persistence, performance, and belief.

Auqib Nabi Dar's Big Moment

Jammu and Kashmir fast-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi Dar was one of the standout stories of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Sold to Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore after starting at a base price of ₹30 lakh, the 29-year-old from Baramulla earned his breakthrough after an impressive domestic run, including 15 wickets in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Mukesh, who has walked a similar path from a relatively lesser-known cricketing region, acknowledged the significance of such opportunities.

"When someone comes from a small place and performs well, getting that kind of money and recognition feels very good. It inspires everyone," he told myKhel during a media interaction on the sidelines of practice session at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

'A Down-to-Earth Cricketer'

Sharing the dressing room with Nabi ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Mukesh has high praise for the all-rounder's attitude and work ethic. "He is a very good person. You can tell from talking to him that he is down to earth. He works hard in practice-both in batting and bowling," Mukesh noted.

He also emphasised that success at this level ultimately depends on mindset and preparation. "It depends on his mindset and how he prepares for matches," he added.

Price Tag and Pressure

While big-money deals often come with expectations, Mukesh believes they should be seen as motivation rather than pressure-especially for players from emerging regions.

For cricketers like Nabi, the IPL is not just a tournament but a platform to represent their roots and inspire the next generation.

Faith in Axar Patel's Leadership

Mukesh also spoke highly of Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel, who will lead the side for the second time. "He is a very good human being and always talks positively. He tells players to play freely and says, 'I am there behind you,'" Mukesh revealed.

Such backing, he believes, gives players the confidence to express themselves. "When a captain says that, it's a big thing for a player. You feel free to try things and perform," he added.

A Team Built on Trust and Opportunity

With a mix of experienced names and emerging talents like Nabi, Delhi Capitals appear to be building a squad rooted in trust and opportunity.

For Mukesh Kumar, who understands the grind behind such journeys, the message is simple-performance will always find its reward.

And in IPL 2026, that belief could shape not just individual careers, but the team's fortunes as well.