Sakib Hussain recorded a sensational dream debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Hailing from Bihar’s Gopalganj district, the 21-year-old pacer claimed the crucial scalps of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Donovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi.
Partnering with fellow debutant Praful Hinge (4/34), the duo dismantled RR's batting lineup, reducing them to 9 for 5 within the first three overs before eventually securing a 57-run victory for SRH.
Sakib was on cloud nine after delivering an impressive spell in his maiden IPL outing. “Every player hopes for a debut like this, so it feels really good. I’m very happy,” he said at the post-match presentation.
After learning he would play, the youngster focused on mental preparation to give his best performance.
“The bowling coach Varun bhai informed me a day before the game that I would be playing. From then on, my focus was simply on performing well. Mentally, I prepared myself to give my best,” he added.
Sakib credited Varun Aaron for his improvement, citing that SRH bowling coach had been working closely with him for the past four matches.
“Varun bhai has been working with me for the past four matches. Whatever improvement you see in my bowling is because of him. I give him full credit,” he remarked.
Sakib Hussain described taking four wickets in his debut match as "amazing" and "very special".
“It felt amazing, sir. To have such a performance in my debut match is very special,” he concluded.
Earlier, a blistering knock of 91 (44 balls) from captain Ishan Kishan propelled SRH to a formidable 216/6 in 20 overs.
In reply, RR’s innings folded for 159 in 19 overs. Donovan Ferreira (69 off 44) and Ravindra Jadeja (45 off 32) were the only bright spots during the chase as Royals endured their first defeat of the season.