New Delhi

Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Sakib Hussain caught everyone's attention for his brilliant performance in his very first match of the Indian Premier League.In his maiden match against Rajasthan Royals on April 13, Sakib Hussain bowled brilliantly, taking four wickets for 24 runs in four overs and playing a key role in his team's victory.

Sakib Hussain was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction (held in December 2025). The Bihar-born right-arm pacer, who previously signed with KKR in 2024, was acquired at his base price and made an immediate impact, notably with 4/24 on his debut. 

Sakib Hussain also took the crucial wicket of Yashavi Jaiswal in this match, which is clear proof of his confidence and ability. Before that, he was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders, but he did not get a chance to play on the field.

Another debutant making his mark ✅

🎥 Glimpses of Sakib Hussain’s 4/24 in his first outing in #TATAIPL 🔥

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/xGTDdKbXpY#KhelBindaas | #SRHvRR | @sunrisers pic.twitter.com/ByAMDOgJiB

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 13, 2026

Sakib's journey was not easy. He comes from an agricultural family of the Gopalganj district of Bihar. Despite his limited resources, his father did not let his son's dream die.

At one stage, Sakib couldn't afford a sports shoe. He dared not ask his father for money to buy shoes, realising that the money was needed for subsistence.

When he shared his anxiety with his mother, she sold her jewellry to get him shoes.

"First of all, I want to thank my family because my parents supported me a lot. I belong to a simple family, where at times I wondered if following my passion was the right thing to do. But my parents encouraged me in every situation. When I was selected for the IPL, my mother hugged me, and she cried in joy. That day, I really felt that I had achieved something and my hard work had paid off.

"I have played cricket with tennis balls, and that is why I am a pacer. Being a fast bowler, it worked on my arm speed, and today I find it relatively easy to bowl with hard balls. My bowling coach, Varun Bhai, also helped me a lot. He constantly guided me and called me for practice a month in advance. I went to the Rao Cricket Academy, where I worked hard and improved my skills. The coaches and teammates also supported me a lot. Whatever success I have achieved today is because of my family, my coaches and all those people who believed in me and encouraged me at every step."

After the match, Coach gautam Gambhir hugged and and also met his mother:

Gautam Gambhir told Sakib Hussain's family after 2024 IPL Title win that he'll do well for KKR whenever he gets his chance. Sakib has also mentioned this in his interview.
KKR had others plans though once GG left for Team India. pic.twitter.com/yH5fKZQId6

— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) April 13, 2026

After the match, a wave of joy swept across the neighbourhood in Gopalaganj where Sakib's parents live. All the people around gathered, and there was a smile on every face.

Earlier, people used to scold him for always being on the ground and counselled him to focus on his studies. In childhood, he used to play in the streets.

There was no big facility in his house, not even a TV. His mother watched his match on her mobile.

His mother told the media that she was very happy to see her son play in the IPL. She says that her son has worked so hard that she believes everyone can't do that. "Earlier, we used to scold him, but today we are proud of him."

She said that when she found out that her son would be seen playing on TV, she could not even sleep.

READ MORE: Ayesha Tabassum’s journey from breaking news to building narratives

Sakib Hussain's story is yet another quintessential story of a young boy working hard to fulfill his dream despite his poor resources.