Now and then, cricket gives us a reminder that age is just a number. For Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, the Asia Cup 2025 was one such moment. At 40, Nabi blasted a jaw-dropping 22-ball 60 against Sri Lanka, then followed it up with his trademark miserly bowling. The result? Afghanistan bowed out of the tournament—but Nabi’s stock in T20 cricket skyrocketed again.
SunRisers Hyderabad
SRH has been on a roller coaster ride over the past two seasons. They made the finals in 2024, only to underperform in 2025 with only 6 victories and missing the playoffs. What was the issue? Balance. While we had explosive performances at the top of the order from Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins spearheading the bowling attack, we missed a steady, reliable allrounder to steady the middle order, and a bowler to contain the opposition.
Enter Mohammad Nabi. He can fit into the No.7 spot perfectly, and at the same time, he brings experience and composure that SRH’s middle order so desperately needs. Zampa and Kamindu Mendis didn’t deliver what they were expected to do in 2025. With Nabi, you get the best of both worlds—a good bat and a spinner who knows how to choke batters in crunch-over situations. Yes, he is 40. But when you are just thinking about silverware, experience always trumps age.
Rajasthan Royals
For the Rajasthan Royals, it feels like the hunt for a reliable lower-order all-rounder has been going on forever. Their 2025 season was downright forgettable, finishing second from the bottom with just four wins. Theekshana and Hasaranga were supposed to give them both spin and depth with the bat, but neither lived up to the billing. Hasaranga, in particular, had a nightmare season, averaging under two with the bat—yes, under two.
Nabi gives it back almost right away, though. His off-spin adds to the variety of a spin-heavy RR squad, and his ability to finish games is something they’ve been desperate for. Having him batting in and around Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer makes RR’s lower order feel much more stable.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings ended the 2025 season like a last ball of an IPL final, but did not lift the trophy. I answered my question and replied to the gem of a season that Shreyas Iyer captured. The 2025 IPL season was a great top order, some decent pace-bowling all-rounders with Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai, and a better spin pair with Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal (who probably got to the finals that year).
That’s precisely what Nabi provides. Just ask the RCB fans how important Krunal Pandya was during their championship-winning 2025 season. PBKS understands that they need that flexibility to finally take the next step. And unlike other teams in transition, Punjab is in a “win now” phase. If they can retain their core and add Nabi, they will automatically be one of the front-runners for IPL 2026.
FAQs
1. Why is Mohammad Nabi a hot pick for IPL 2026?
Because of his recent Asia Cup 2025 heroics, Nabi proved he can still deliver with both bat and ball, making him a valuable all-rounder.
2. Which teams are most likely to bid for Mohammad Nabi in IPL 2026?
SunRisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings are the three top contenders.
3. What role can Nabi play in an IPL team?
He can bat as a finisher at No.6 or 7 and provide a reliable off-spin option in the middle overs.
For more, visit JeetBuzz News to read our quality Cricket Blog updates. Explore if you want to reminisce and enjoy all of your favourite cricket players and nostalgic match moments. To ensure that you never miss out, keep updated and join in the fun!
