Sakib Hussain and Hyderabad Sunrisers teammates celebrate (ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: Sakib Hussain had to wait a long time for his IPL moment. And when he arrived, he grabbed him with both hands. After being part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 without winning a game and going unsold in the 2025 auction, the 21-year-old finally found an opportunity with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 – and returned it with a spell of 4-0-24-4 on debut.Along with Praful Hing, Sakib produced a performance against Rajasthan Royals on Monday that stood out not only for his impact but also for his game awareness. Known in local circles for his pace, the young pacer showed a different side to his game, shrewdly mixing his lengths and relying heavily on off-pace deliveries. Three of his four wickets came through change of pace rather than outright speed.Once labeled the ‘Rabada of Gopalganj’ for his ability to generate pace with the tennis ball, Sakib’s debut was more about adaptation and growth. The comparison, rooted in his early days, faded as he showed control and awareness of the game on the big stage.At Sunrisers Hyderabad, he also found support from bowling coach Varun Aaron – himself a former fast bowler – who worked closely with the young fast bowlers. That support was reflected in the confidence Sakib showed on debut, executing plans rather than relying purely on natural qualities.Creation of Sakib HussainWith speeds in excess of 140, Sakib created a buzz in the Bihar cricket circuit long before the IPL was called. As the locals say “bhaukaal machana” he did exactly that with a tennis ball.The buzz eventually reached the Bihar Cricket Association, prompting a search for the young pacer and the organization of trials. A selection committee was formed with Nandan Kumar among those tasked with identifying talent. He traced Sakib and brought him to court at Sonepur Railway Ground.Sakib arrived wearing regular sports shoes, torn in several places. Noticing this, Nandan handed him a pair of spikes and a leather ball. Sakib was stunned.“(In Bhojpuri) Ka bhail bey, ball dala na (What happened, go and give the bowl),” Nandan said aloud.“Ee ka. Pahila ber spike pahinle bani (I am wearing spikes for the first time),” replied Sakib.“Jaa bey, I bow to kara ho (go and give the bowl now),” Nandan ordered.
Shakib Hussain
Sakib put on his spikes, even tried to walk properly, and then started running. The bowler known for hitting 140 km/h suddenly lost his rhythm. Apparently uncomfortable, he walked out of the rehearsals saying, “bahut bhaari lagat baa, hum naikhin kar sakat (It’s too hard for me. I can’t mix)”.Nandan understood the situation but refused to let the talent escape. He picked up the phone and called Robin Singh, the coach at the GenNext Cricket Academy in Patna, to take charge of the raw, gifted pacer.“His bowling speed was something that everyone in Gopalganj was talking about. We used to call him Rabada – people would say, ‘Abey Rabadawa kaha gya bey?’ (Hey Rabado, where are you?). When he first came, he didn’t even have proper shoes. He used to play tennis and had no experience with a leather ball. But the talent was evident. He missed the first trials, but when he returned for the second after training under Robin Singh, he was a completely different bowler. That’s when he got into the Bihar team,” Nandan told TimesofIndia.com.From home grinding to IPL doorsOn his Ranji Trophy debut, Sakib was ready to go full throttle.“Sir, killi ukhadna hai hume (Sir, I will rattle the stumps)” were Sakib’s first words when asked about his plan in a team meeting before his debut.And he added.Bihar were bowled out for 143 in their first innings, but Sakib struck immediately with the ball and struck in his very first over. “Jo bolta hai wo kar ke dikhata hai (He does exactly what he says),” Robin Singh said with a laugh.Since then, he has played six first-class matches and picked up 16 wickets, including 10 in the match.He was later sent to the MRF Pace Foundation where he perfected the art of fast bowling. His performances caught the attention of Chennai Super Kings scouts who brought him in as a net bowler.“Going to Chennai Super Kings and working as a bowler was a big step for him. By then he had already made a name for himself in the National Cricket Academy. The NCA coaches are well connected with the scouts, so he started getting invitations for trials from different teams,” said Robin.He was eventually picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024 but did not get a game. He went unsold the following year before Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him up for Rs 30 crore in the IPL 2026 auction – a move that has already started paying dividends.The struggle that shaped himHowever, the journey was anything but easy. Sakib comes from a family where making ends meet was once a daily challenge. His mother sold her jewellery, his father worked as a laborer – all to support his cricket.Robin tells a story that resonates with the struggles the young pacer underwent. “When he first came, he was very quick but inaccurate with the leather ball. The pace 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. It was clear at first that he had potential, but lacked proper training. We started working on him – he was naturally blessed. So he started bowling properly with a leather ball and never looked back,” recalled Robin.From these moments to entering the IPL phase in his prime, Sakib has been making the most of the chances that have finally come his way.
Hussein’s struggle
Practice with Vaibhav SooryavanshiWhile Sakib’s raw pace began to take shape under Robin Singh at the GenNext Cricket Academy in Patna, young batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi trained under Manish Ojha at the same venue.Trainers often pitted them against each other in friendly but intense practice battles. At times, Sakib sent Sooryavanshi’s stumps to drive – beating him with sheer pace, sharp swing or clever slower deliveries. On other days, the skipper turned the tables, unleashing Sakib across the park and making the young pacer work hard on every ball.It was competitive but always respectful. They celebrated each other’s moments – a well-taken goal, a perfectly timed shot. Today, their journeys have taken them to different IPL franchises, but that early rivalry continues to define their rise.“We were making plans against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and making them compete against each other. It was fun – there was banter and we enjoyed it a lot. They complemented each other really well. Vaibhav’s rise came early while Sakib had to wait, partly due to injuries. Fast bowler hai na.“He is a child of destiny – a God-given talent. These two kids, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sakib Hussain, are going to achieve great things in Indian cricket. Take your word for it,” said Robin.
Family
