Saqib Hussain was one of the breakout talents for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the last season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Bihar-born, who mostly served IPL teams as a net bowler, got a chance to prove his talent for SRH in IPL 2026.
In a recent interview, the fast bowler claimed that it was Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni who inspired him the most to develop into a better fast bowler over the years.
Saqib Hussain told how MS Dhoni helped him
Hussain revealed that he started playing cricket with proper focus because of MS Dhoni. He came in contact with the former India captain when he was a net bowler for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni’s encouraging words during the net session gave Saqib Hussain an opportunity to develop his bowling skills.
In the IPL 2026 season, which was his first IPL season, Saqib Hussain took 15 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 9.45. In his first match, he surprised everyone when he took 4 for 24 against Rajasthan Royals, which was the joint-best bowling figures by an Indian player on IPL debut. SRH won the match over Royals by 57 runs.
“I used to bowl to Dhoni sir. He used to say that I have good talent. I will continue to do this and move forward. He used to say that I have to maintain fitness and avoid injuries. Rest, I am bowling well and everything is going well.“Shakib spoke about how Dhoni inspired him during his days as a net bowler with CSK.
For budding cricketers like Shakib, Dhoni is one of the icons whom they mostly watched on the television screens during their childhood days. Since he has never met him in person before, there are some perspectives about MS Dhoni. 21-year-old Saqib was surprised to see that the legendary cricketer, one of the most followed men in India, was so polite towards the players and also towards them.
MS Dhoni is a good person: Saqib Hussain
Recalling the match, when Sunrisers Hyderabad were against Chennai Super Kings, the uncapped Indian pacer mentioned how MS Dhoni came on the field after the match and greeted all the players and the crowd.
“I liked it very much. He is a good person and has a good mentality. I met him this year and he recognized me. He said, how are you? Is everything okay? Is your body okay? hHe is a legendary player. He is recognizing me. it was a big day for mehe adds.
‘Used to bowl for MS Dhoni’ Saqib Hussain remembered Dhoni, what did he say?
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Shakib Hussain emerged as one of the leading bowlers for SRH
While SRH’s batting unit was considered one of the most decorated combinations in the league, bowling was one of their major concerns. The team did not look well balanced in the absence of its captain and key fast bowler Pat Cummins.
Ishan Kishan was the stand-in captain during the initial phase of the IPL 2026 season when Pat Cummins was not with the team. It was Ishan who showed the courage to include a young stalwart like Saqib Hussain in the playing combination. The inclusion of Saqib proved to be immediately effective. The fast bowler emerged as one of the prolific wicket-takers for the team that season.
