Sakib Hussain, 19, takes 4/24 on IPL debut as Sunrisers Hyderabad end Rajasthan Royals' winning streak

Key facts

• Sakib Hussain, 19, made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals on [date not specified].
• He finished with figures of 4/24, the joint-best bowling figures by an Indian on IPL debut, equaling Ashwani Kumar's 4/24 for Mumbai Indians in 2025.
• His spell helped SRH defeat RR by 57 runs, ending RR's winning streak.
• Hussain was born in Gopalganj, Bihar, in 2006 and is known as one of the fastest young bowlers in Indian domestic cricket.
• He made his debut for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022/23, taking 4/20 in his second match.
• Hussain picked up his first five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy in the 2025/26 season, with 6/41 against Arunachal Pradesh.
• He was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in IPL 2024 and 2025, winning the title in 2024, but did not play a match.
• SRH acquired him at the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 30 lakhs.

A debut to remember

Sunrisers Hyderabad ended Rajasthan Royals' winning streak with a commanding 57-run victory, powered by an unexpected hero. Sakib Hussain, a 19-year-old uncapped pacer from Bihar, made his IPL debut and delivered figures of 4/24, the joint-best bowling performance by an Indian on debut in the tournament's history. His spell rattled the Royals' batting lineup, complementing Player of the Match Praful Hinge's efforts. Hussain's four-wicket haul included key wickets that derailed RR's chase after SRH posted a competitive total. The right-arm fast bowler, known for his raw pace, consistently troubled the batsmen with accuracy and movement. His performance not only secured a crucial win for SRH but also announced his arrival on the biggest stage of Indian cricket.

From Bihar to the big league

Born in Gopalganj, Bihar, in 2006, Hussain has long been regarded as one of the fastest young bowlers in the domestic circuit. He made his debut for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy during the 2022/23 season, immediately making an impact with figures of 4/20 in only his second match. His progress continued in the Ranji Trophy, where he claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the 2025/26 season, taking 6/41 against Arunachal Pradesh. Despite his domestic success, Hussain's path to the IPL was not straightforward. He was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in IPL 2024 and 2025, including their title-winning campaign in 2024, but did not get a single game in two seasons. Released by KKR, he was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad at the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 30 lakhs.

A record-equalling spell

Hussain's 4/24 is the joint-best bowling figures by an Indian on IPL debut, equaling the record set by Mumbai Indians' Ashwani Kumar against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025. Overall, it is the joint fifth-best bowling figures on debut in IPL history. The best remains Alzarri Joseph's 6/12 for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019, followed by Andrew Tye's 5/17 for Gujarat Lions in 2017, Shoaib Akhtar's 4/11 for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, and Kevon Cooper's 4/26 for Rajasthan Royals in 2012. Hussain's performance is particularly notable given the context: he was playing his first IPL match after two years of waiting on the sidelines. His ability to deliver under pressure against a strong Rajasthan Royals side, which had been on a winning streak, underscores his potential.

Impact on the season

The victory was vital for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who secured only their second win of IPL 2026. Ending Rajasthan Royals' winning streak not only boosted SRH's morale but also tightened the points table. For Hussain, the debut performance could mark the beginning of a significant IPL career, especially given his youth and the scarcity of genuine fast bowlers in Indian cricket. The match also highlighted the depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket, with uncapped players like Hussain and Hinge stepping up in high-pressure situations. SRH's decision to invest in Hussain at the auction now appears prescient.

What lies ahead

Hussain's immediate focus will be on maintaining his form and securing a regular place in the SRH playing XI. With his pace and ability to take wickets, he could become a key asset for the franchise in the remainder of the tournament. For Bihar cricket, his success on the national stage serves as an inspiration for young cricketers from the state. Long-term, Hussain's trajectory will be watched closely by national selectors. If he continues to perform, a call-up to the Indian team could be on the horizon, though he will need to prove his consistency over multiple seasons. His journey from being an unused squad member at KKR to a record-equalling debutant at SRH is a testament to perseverance.

The bottom line

• Sakib Hussain's 4/24 on IPL debut is the joint-best by an Indian, equaling Ashwani Kumar's record.
• The 19-year-old from Bihar spent two seasons with KKR without playing a match before being released and picked up by SRH for Rs 30 lakhs.
• His spell helped SRH defeat RR by 57 runs, ending RR's winning streak and securing SRH's second win of IPL 2026.
• Hussain's domestic career includes a 4/20 in his second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match and a 6/41 in the Ranji Trophy.
• The performance underscores the depth of Indian domestic cricket and the potential of uncapped fast bowlers.