Zeeshan Ansari Shines in IPL Debut as Sunrisers Face Early Setback

VISAKHAPATNAM, India — Zeeshan Ansari, a Lucknow-born leg-spinner, made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday during a match against the Delhi Capitals at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Ansari stepped into the lineup, replacing fellow leg-spinner Adam Zampa under the guidance of captain Pat Cummins.

At just 25 years old, Ansari is relatively new to T20 cricket, with only one previous match played during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he did not take a wicket and conceded 32 runs. Before venturing into professional cricket, Ansari was part of the Indian team that reached the finals of the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. He made an impact back then, scoring 35 runs across two matches.

Despite not participating in state-level tournaments at earlier ages, Ansari persevered in his cricketing journey, eventually leading to his notable performance in last year’s UP T20 League, where he claimed the title of leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets. His impressive performance caught the attention of IPL scouts, culminating in Sunrisers Hyderabad purchasing him for ₹40 lakh during the 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah.

As the Sunrisers took the field, they started the match with a strong intent but suffered an early setback. Abhishek Sharma was run out in the first over, and two more quick wickets fell shortly after, due to Mitch Starc‘s bowling prowess. The team faced significant pressure early in the game, leaving fans anxious as they witnessed their lineup crumble.

The match remained competitive, with SRH looking to recover from the initial flop. While they have maintained a strong batting average throughout the season, they found themselves struggling against Delhi’s formidable bowling attack, evidenced by recent performances. The Capitals, having just come off a victory, seemed confident entering this matchup.

Ansari’s debut, while challenging, showed promise and potential for the budding cricketer. His history of rising to the occasion, combined with his recent accolades, suggests that he could become a crucial player for Sunrisers Hyderabad if given the opportunity to develop his skills further.

The match against Delhi Capitals marks an essential step in Ansari’s cricketing career, a journey that has already seen numerous highs and lows, hinting at a promising future in the world of cricket.