New Delhi: Sakib Hussain waited a long time for his IPL moment. When it arrived, he grabbed it with both hands. After joining Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 but not getting a single match and going unsold in the 2025 auction, the 21-year-old finally found an opportunity with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 – a favor he returned with figures of 4-0-24-4 on his debut.Along with Praful Hinge, Saqib performed well against Rajasthan Royals on Monday not only because of his influence but also because of his game awareness. Known for his pace on the local circuit, the young pacer showed a different side to his game, mixing up his lengths deftly and relying heavily on over-speed deliveries. Three of his four wickets came through changes of pace rather than direct pace.Saqib, once known as the “Rabbada of Gopalganj” for his ability to generate rhythm in the tennis ball, has made his debut more about adapting and growing. That comparison stemmed from his early performances, but took a back seat as he showed control and game awareness on the big stage.At Sunrisers Hyderabad, he also has the support of bowling coach Varun Aaron, a former fast bowler himself who works closely with the young fast bowlers. That support was reflected in the confidence Saqib showed on debut, executing his plans rather than relying purely on natural attributes.Production by Saqib HussainEven before his IPL call-up, Saqib created a sensation in the Bihar cricket circuit with a speed of over 140. “bhaukaal machana” as the locals call him, he did exactly that with tennis balls.The matter eventually reached the Bihar Cricket Association, prompting them to search for the young pacer and organize trials. A selection committee was formed and Nandan Kumar was one of the people tasked with identifying the talent. He found Saqib and took him to Sonepur Railway Yard for trial.Saqib arrived wearing ordinary sneakers with several rips on them. Nandan noticed this and handed him a pair of nails and a ball. Saqib was stunned.“(Bhojpuri) Ka bhail bey, ball dala na (What happened, go play ball),” exclaimed Nandan.“Ee ka. Pahila ber spike pahinle bani (My first time wearing spikes),” Sakib replied.“Jaa bey, bow kara ho (now go bowl),” Nandan instructed.
Shakib Hussain
Saqib put on his spikes and even struggled to walk normally before starting his run-up. The bowler, famous for his 140 kph speed, suddenly lost his rhythm. Clearly feeling uncomfortable, he left the trial saying: “bahut bhaari lagat baa, hum naikhin kar sakat [It is too heavy for me. I can’t bowl]”.Nandan understood the situation but refused to let the talent slip away. He picked up the phone and dialed Robin Singercoach at GenNext Cricket Academy in Patna, takes charge of the raw, talented pacer.“The pace of his bowling is what everyone is talking about in Gopalganj. We used to call him Rabada – people would say, “Abey Rabadawa kaha gya bey?” [Hey Rabada, where are you?]. When he first arrived, he didn’t even have proper shoes. He used to bowl with a tennis ball and had no experience with the leather ball. But the talent is obvious. He missed the first trial but when he returned for the second trial after training with Robin Singh, he was a completely different bowler. It was then that he joined the Bihar team. ” Nandan told TimesofIndia.com.From domestic grind to IPL gateOn his Ranji Trophy debut, Saqib is ready to give it his all.“Sir, killi ukhadna hai hume (Sir, I will make the stumps rattle)” – these were Saqib’s first words when asked about his plans in a team meeting before his debut.He delivered.Bihar were bowled out for 143 in the first innings but Saqib made an immediate impact with the ball, batting in the first over. “Jo Bolta hai wo kar ke dikhata hai (He did exactly what he said),” Robin Singh said with a smile.Thereafter, he played 6 first-class matches and took 16 wickets, including 10 wickets in one match.He was later sent to MRF Pace Foundation where he honed the art of fast bowling. His performance caught the attention of the scouts of the Chennai Super Kings, who recruited him as a net bowler.“It was a big step for him to go to the Chennai Super Kings and play as a net bowler. By then, he was already making a name for himself in the National Cricket Academy. The NCA coach had a close relationship with the scouts, so he started getting tryout offers from different teams,” Robin said.Eventually, Kolkata Knight Riders selected him for IPL 2024 but he did not play the game. The following year, he failed to sell and Sunrisers Hyderabad later bought him for Rs 30 lakh in the 2026 IPL auction – a move that has started to pay off.
the struggles that shaped himHowever, the journey has been far from smooth. Saqib comes from a family where making ends meet used to be a daily challenge. His mother sold jewelery and his father worked as a laborer – all to support his cricketing career.Robin tells a story that resonates with the struggles the young walker goes through. “When he first came, he was fast but inaccurate with the ball. The rhythm was always there. I asked him to stay in Patna but he said, ‘Mehnga hai sir, paisa nahi hai.’ So we made some arrangements for him and he started training there. Initially, it was clear that he had potential but lacked proper training. We started treating him – and naturally he was blessed. Just like that, he started bowling properly with the ball and from then on, he never looked back,” Robin recalled.From those moments to stepping onto the IPL stage, Saqib is making the most of the opportunities that eventually come his way.
Hussein’s struggle
Practice with Vaibhav SooryavanshiWhile Saqib’s raw pace is starting to take shape under the guidance of Robin Singh at the GenNext Cricket Academy in Patna, young batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is training under the guidance of Manish Ojha at the same venue.Coaches often have the two engage in friendly but intense practice battles. At times, Saqib would send Suryavanshi’s stump tumbling – beating him with sheer pace, a sharp swing or a deft slow pass. On other days, the batsmen would turn the tables and launch Saqib high into the air over the park, making the young pacer work hard for every ball.It’s competitive, but always respected. They celebrate each other’s moments – a beautiful wicket, a perfect shot. Today, their paths have taken them to different IPL franchises, but the early rivalries still defined their rise.“We used to make plans against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and pit them against each other. It was fun – there were banter and we enjoyed it. They complemented each other very well. Vaibhav’s rise came early while Sakib had to wait, partly due to injury to fast bowler Hina.“He is a child of destiny – a God-given talent. These two kids, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sakib Hussain, will achieve great things in Indian cricket. Mark my words,” Robin said.
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