'Mummy, Humko Joota Nahi Hai': The Tears That Fueled Sakib Hussain’s Cricket Dream

“Cricket shoes are very expensive. The ones with the spikes required for bowling come at a price of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. If we put that much money into buying a pair of shoes, how will we manage to eat and sustain ourselves?”

These were the words of Sakib Hussain, the uncapped pacer from Bihar who created history on his IPL debut.

In a video that has since surfaced, his mother recalled the hardships behind his journey. “He came one day and started crying and said, Mummy humko joota nahi hai. Kaise khel paayenge.(Mom, I don’t have shoes. How will I play?),” she said.

With tears in her eyes, she added, “I didn’t have that kind of money to buy my son shoes. Zevar apna bech ke humne usko joota kharid dia (I sold my jewellery to buy him a pair of shoes).”

That sacrifice bore fruit when the 21-year-old delivered a match-winning performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad, returning figures of 4 for 24 at an economy of just 6.

He became the seventh player in IPL history to take four or more wickets on debut.

Why was Sakib Hussain called “Rabada” in Bihar’s local cricket circles?

Former India bowler Irfan Pathan praised the youngster’s effort on the grand stage, writing on X, “Sakib Hussain from Bihar wanted to be part of the Indian Army. He certainly looks a solid fit. Brilliant start to his IPL Career.”

As per a Revzsportz report, in the dusty expanses of Gopalganj and Siwan in Bihar, Sakib was known not by his name but as “Rabada”, a nod to Kagiso Rabada, as locals gathered around makeshift pitches to watch him bowl at pace in tennis-ball cricket.

Long before his breakthrough night, Sakib’s life was defined by struggle. His father, a daily-wage labourer, lived an “earn today, eat today” existence.

Sakib earned ₹500 per match in village tournaments, a modest sum that reflected the scale of his challenges.

Without access to a gym or structured diet, and with his family urging him to pursue a government job in the Army, Sakib focused on running.

He sprinted for two hours every day as preparation for military selections. These efforts unknowingly built the foundation of his fast bowling physique, strengthening his core and sharpening his endurance.

Sakib made his T20 debut for Bihar in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at the age of 17 and registered figures of 4 for 20 in two overs in his second game.

Despite limited opportunities, he continued to push forward and claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, taking 6 for 41 against Arunachal Pradesh.

His performances drew the attention of IPL scouts, leading to a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2024 season. He did not feature in any game with KKR and was released ahead of the next edition.

It was former India pacer and current Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling mentor Varun Aaron who first spotted Sakib’s potential. Impressed by his raw pace, Aaron tracked his progress closely at the MRF Academy, and then guided him to become a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Sakib’s night in the spotlight was not merely a product of individual determination. It stood as a culmination of collective sacrifice and resilience.

From his mother’s decision to sell her jewellery, to his father’s relentless toil as a daily-wage labourer, and the support system that backed him from Bihar, every step of the journey led to the Uppal Stadium, where he delivered a performance that proved he belongs on the biggest stage.

Like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sakib has shown a fearless approach. Whether facing a domestic batter or an international name, he charges in with the same intensity, driven by a journey shaped by sacrifice, resilience and unwavering belief.