Sakib Hussain (21), whose mother sold her jewellery to buy him bowling boots, has made an immediate impact in the Indian Premier League after his family’s years of struggle to fund his cricket ambitions.

The fast bowler from Gopalganj in Bihar, one of India’s poorest states, claimed four wickets for 24 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals on his debut this month.

After three matches, Hussain averages 14.16 per wicket with an economy rate of 7.08, ranking among the best in the T20 tournament.

Hussain began playing cricket with a tennis ball in the lanes and fields of his small northern town. His father owned a small farm but a knee injury forced him to work as a labourer, earning 200 to 300 rupees (about R33 to R49) a day.

“I was a single earner when this trouble came, so I had to think about providing the basic needs like food for the family,” his father told Indian media. “At the same time, people told me that my boy bowls very fast, so I told Sakib not to worry about expenses and focus on cricket.”

The story of Hussain’s mother selling her jewellery to fund his cricket equipment has attracted widespread attention across India.

“It must have been a truly emotional moment for the family,” former India pace bowler Irfan Pathan said after Hussain’s debut, where his wickets included opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first over. “He wanted to join the army but getting an opportunity at this level and stage and performing is a job well done.”

Hussain earned the local nickname “Rabada of Gopalganj” as his bowling action and pace drew comparisons with South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.

A local coach mentored Hussain before he progressed to his state team and gained selection to the National Cricket Academy camp in Bengaluru. He attracted IPL attention while playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, a national T20 competition.

Hussain was part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning squad in 2024 but did not play in a pace attack led by Mitchell Starc. Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 2016 IPL winners, signed him at his base price of $32 000 in the December auction for this season.

“I had tears in my eyes when Hyderabad picked me in the auction,” Hussain said. “This tells you that if you have self-belief then you can achieve anything.”

His mother recalled the difficulties of supporting his cricket journey. “He came one day and started crying and said, ‘Mummy, I need spikes (boots). How will I play?’”