Zeeshan Ansari, a promising leg-spinner from Lucknow, made his much-anticipated IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 30, 2025, at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
The 25-year-old was brought into the playing XI by SRH captain Pat Cummins, replacing pacer Simarjeet Singh as the franchise aimed to bounce back from a previous loss.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 16, 1999, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Zeeshan comes from a modest background. His father, Naeem, runs a tailoring shop, and despite financial challenges, Zeeshan’s passion for cricket was evident from a young age.
He received his initial training at the LDA Academy in Aliganj, where coach Gopal Singh provided him with free coaching.
Unlike many of his peers, Zeeshan did not make it to Uttar Pradesh’s under-14 or under-16 teams, which led to skepticism about his cricketing future within his family.
Cricketing Journey
Zeeshan’s cricketing career took off when he represented India in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, where the team finished as runners-up.
He played two matches in the tournament, scoring 35 runs. His breakthrough moment came during the UP T20 League, where he played for the Meerut Mavericks and emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets.
This outstanding performance caught the attention of IPL franchises, leading to his acquisition by SRH for INR 40 lakhs during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction held in November 2024.
Despite limited T20 experience—having played only one T20 match for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy—where he went wicketless—Zeeshan’s potential as an attacking leg-spinner has been recognized by SRH management.
Expectations and Role
As an attacking leg-spinner, Zeeshan is expected to bring variety to SRH’s bowling attack. His inclusion in the squad aims to bolster their spin options, especially in conditions that may favor spin bowlers as the match progresses.
With experienced players like Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar in the lineup, Zeeshan has a unique opportunity to learn and grow alongside established talents.
Match Context
In their match against Delhi Capitals, SRH opted to bat first after winning the toss. The decision to include Ansari was strategic; with expectations of spin-friendly conditions later in the game, Cummins believed that having an extra spinner would provide an advantage over a fast bowler.
While Zeeshan’s debut is highly anticipated, it comes at a time when SRH is looking to find its footing in IPL 2025 after facing challenges in their previous outings.
