IPL 2026: Who is Sakib Hussain? Bihar pacer makes SRH debut vs RR

In the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, the visitors won the toss and chose to bowl first in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Their decision was on point as they dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a duck. Today was the day when SRH didn't get the perfect start but somehow managed to reach 216 runs in the first innings. 

But it was their bowling that was in the spotlight now. While everyone underestimated them for their bowling unit, Ishan Kishan decided to give debutants the first two overs of the match, which indeed turned into an excellent decision as Praful Hinge claimed three wickets in the first over, including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Meanwhile, Sakib Hussain, the other debutant, claimed his first wicket in the second over, impressing everyone. 

Who is Sakib Hussain? Rising pacer from Bihar making headlines

Bihar's pace sensation, Sakib Hussain, has made his debut against RR in the IPL 2026. SRH brought him in the auction for Rs. 30 lakh. Earlier in 2024, he was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) but didn't get to play a match. Hussain, a 21-year-old right-arm pacer, plays for Bihar in domestic cricket. 

He made his debut in the 2023-24 season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he picked up four wickets for 20 runs in his second game. Later in the Ranji Trophy in the 2025-26 season, he claimed his first fifer. 

SRH hand debut to young fast bowler against Rajasthan Royals

Sakib Hussain made his debut for SRH in the tournament against RR, and it has turned out to be a dream debut for the player. He dismissed in-form batter Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first over and stunned the batter. The crowd was on their feet since they knew the importance of the game. The 21-year-old cricketer finally got to play his first match in the league, and he made sure that it was worth it. 

He is a talented young man and has played domestic cricket before making his IPL debut. Hussain is likely to feature in upcoming games due to his brilliant bowling performance in the power play. SRH will need wicket-taking bowlers in the team to maintain the balance. 

Fans eager to see youngster’s impact in IPL 2026 debut

Here's how the fans reacted to Sakib Hussain's debut for SRH in the IPL 2026.