New Delhi: Saqib Hussain had to wait a long time for his IPL moment. And as soon as he came, he grabbed it with both hands. After being part of Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 without getting a game and not being sold in the 2025 auction, the 21-year-old finally got a chance with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 – and he returned the favor with a 4-0-24-4 spell on debut.Along with Purflingh, Saqib produced a performance against Rajasthan Royals on Monday that stood out not just for impact, but also for his awareness of the game. Known in the local circuits for his pace, the young fast bowler showed a different side to his game, shrewdly blending his length and relying heavily on off-pace deliveries. Three of his four wickets came through change of pace rather than pace.Once dubbed the “Rabada of Gopalganj” for his ability to generate pace with the tennis ball, Saqib’s debut was more about adaptation and development. Comparisons, entrenched in his early days, took a back seat as he displayed control and awareness of the game on the big stage.At Sunrisers Hyderabad, he also received support from bowling coach Varun Arun – himself a former pacer – who has worked closely with the young fast bowlers. This support is reflected in the confidence that Saqib displayed on debut, executing plans rather than relying purely on natural attributes.Formation of Saqib HussainWith a pace touching 140 plus, Saqib made waves in the Bihar cricket circuit long before the IPL call-up. As they say locally, “Bhookal Machana,” he did just that with a tennis ball.The buzz eventually reached the Bihar Cricket Association, which began scouting for the young fast bowler and organizing trials. A selection committee was formed in which Nandan Kumar was tasked with identifying talent. He tracked down Saqib and brought him to the Sonepur Railway Ground for trial.Saqib arrived wearing normal sports shoes which were torn in several places. Seeing this, Nandan gave him a pair of spikes and a leather ball. Saqib was stunned.“(In Bhojpuri) ka bhal biya, bal dal na (what happened, go and say it),” Nandan said loudly.“Ee ka. Pahila ber spike pahinle bani (I am wearing spikes for the first time),” replied Saqib.“Jabey, juknewala ho (go and speak now),” instructed Nandan.
Shakib Hussain
Saqib put on the spikes, struggled even to walk properly, and then started running. The 140 kmph bowler suddenly lost his rhythm. Clearly uncomfortable, he walks away from the trials, saying, “Too bhri lagat ba, hum naye kir sakt.” [It is too heavy for me. I can’t bowl]”Nandan understood the situation but refused to let Hunar go. He picked up the phone and dialed. Robin SinghCoach at the GenNext Cricket Academy in Patna, to take charge of the raw, talented pacer.“His bowling pace was what everyone was talking about in Gopalganj. We used to call him Rabda – people would say ‘Abe Rabadwa is called?’ [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 a leather ball. But the talent was clear. He missed the first trials, but when he returned for the second Test after training under Robin Singh, he was a completely different bowler. That’s when he made it to the Bihar team,” Nandan told TimesofIndia.com.From the domestic grind to the IPL gatesOn his Ranji Trophy debut, Saqib was ready to go full throttle.“Sir, utkarna hai hum (Sir, I will shake the stumps)” – were Saqib’s first words when asked about his plan in the team meeting ahead of his debut.And he delivered.Bihar were bowled out for 143 in their first innings, but Saqib made an immediate impact with the ball in his first over. “Jo bolta hai wo karke dakhta hai (he does what he says),” laughs Robin Singh.He has since played six first-class matches and has taken 16 wickets, including 10 in one match.He was later sent to the MRF Pace Foundation, where he honed the art of fast bowling. His performances attracted the attention of the scouts of Chennai Super Kings, who brought him in as a net bowler.“Joining Chennai Super Kings and working as a net bowler was a big step for him. By then, he had made a name for himself in the National Cricket Academy. “The NCA coaches are well connected with the scouts, so they started getting invitations from different teams for trials,” said Robin.Kolkata Knight Riders finally picked him for IPL 2024, but he did not get a match. The following year he went unsold before Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him up for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction – a move that has already started paying off.
The struggle that shaped it.However, this journey has been anything but easy. Saqib belongs to a family where living once was a daily challenge. His mother sold her jewellery, his father worked as a laborer – all to support his cricket.Robin narrates a story that resonates with the struggles of the young fast bowler. “When he first came, he was very fast but inaccurate with the leather ball. The pace was always there. I asked him to stay in Patna, but he said, ‘It’s expensive sir, there’s no money.’ So we made some arrangements for him and he started training there. Early on, it was clear that he had the ability but lacked the proper training. We started working on him – he was naturally blessed. That’s how he started bowling with a leather ball, and after that, he never looked back,” recalled Robin.From those moments to stepping into the IPL stage quickly, Saqib has been making the most of the opportunities that have finally come his way.
Hussain’s Struggle
Practice with Vaibhu Suryavanshi.While Saqib’s raw pace was beginning to take shape under the guidance of Robin Singh at the GeneNext Cricket Academy in Patna, young batting sensation Vibhu Suryavanshi was training under Manish Ojha at the same place.Coaches would often pit the two against each other in friendly but fierce practice battles. At times, Saqib would send Suryavanshi’s stumps cartwheeling – hitting him with a quick pace, a quick swing, or a smart slow delivery. On other days, the batsmen would have turned the tables, launching Saqib over the park and forcing the young pacer to work hard with every delivery.It was competitive, but always respectful. They celebrated each other’s moments – a good wicket, a perfectly timed shot. Today, their paths have taken them to various IPL franchises, but that initial rivalry defines their rise.“We used to plan against Vibhu Suryavanshi and make them compete against each other. It was fun – a joke, and we enjoyed it a lot. They complemented each other very well. Vibhu’s rise came early, while Saqib had to wait, partly because of injuries. Fast bowler, isn’t he?”“He is a child of destiny – a gift from God. These two kids, Vibhu Suryavanshi and Saqib Hussain, are going to achieve great things in Indian cricket. Mark my words,” said Robin.
The family
