From Selling Jewellery to IPL Dreams: The Journey of Bihar’s Sakib Hussain

By A Staff Reporter

Gopalganj’s Sakib Hussain, a 20-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler and lower-order batsman, is poised to make waves in the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh. His story is one of resilience, family sacrifices, and an unrelenting passion for cricket.

Born in 2004 to Ali Ahmed Hussain and a homemaker mother, Sakib’s family struggled financially after his father, a farmer, had to quit farming due to knee issues. In his early days, Sakib supported his family by earning ₹500-1000 in tennis ball tournaments while nurturing dreams of joining the army. Observing his speed, locals encouraged him to take up cricket, which changed the course of his life.

Sakib credits his rise to the mentorship of the late Mintu Bhaiya and coach Robin Singh. His career gained momentum in 2021 during the Bihar Cricket League and Under-19 matches in Chandigarh. His stint at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and the Mushtaq Ali Trophy showcased his talent, catching the attention of IPL franchises like KKR, CSK, and MI.

A pivotal moment came when his mother sold her jewellery to buy him proper shoes for fast bowling. This sacrifice symbolized the family’s commitment to his dreams. Though he went unsold in the IPL 2024 initial auction, Sakib was later picked by KKR at ₹20 lakh. While he didn’t play last season, he has been training rigorously to bowl at 150-155 kmph.

This Ranji season, Sakib delivered impressive performances, taking six wickets across two matches, including a career-best 4/114 against Punjab. Now, he enters the IPL 2025 auction as a promising young talent, ready to achieve his dreams.

Sakib Hussain’s journey from Gopalganj to the IPL highlights the transformative power of determination, family support, and an unyielding belief in oneself.