Sakibul Gani is an Indian cricketer who represents Bihar in domestic cricket and has carved his name into cricket history books with multiple record-breaking performances.
Born on September 2, 1999, in Motihari, Bihar, the 25-year-old right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler became the first cricketer in history to score a triple century on his first-class debut, smashing 341 runs against Mizoram in February 2022.
His extraordinary start to first-class cricket continued with scores of 98 and 101 in his next two innings, accumulating a world record 540 runs in his first three first-class innings.
On December 24, 2025, as Bihar captain, Sakibul created another historic moment by scoring the fastest List A century by an Indian in just 32 balls during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, leading Bihar to a world-record total of 574/6.
An ardent fan of Virender Sehwag, Sakibul’s aggressive batting style and consistent domestic performances have put him firmly on the radar for IPL franchises and potential national team selection.
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With a first-class average above 50 and multiple match-winning performances, this son of a sports goods store owner from Motihari has become one of the most exciting batting talents in Indian domestic cricket.
Who is Sakibul Gani?
Sakibul Gani is a dynamic batting all-rounder from Bihar who has rewritten record books with his explosive batting and historic performances in Indian domestic cricket.
What makes Sakibul’s story particularly inspiring is his journey from a small town in Bihar to becoming one of the most talked-about cricketers in India.
Despite coming from humble beginnings in Motihari’s East Champaran district, Sakibul never let his circumstances limit his dreams.
Inspired by watching his elder brother Faisal play cricket, he picked up the sport at age eight and has since become Bihar’s premier batsman and captain.
His cricketing philosophy mirrors that of his idol Virender Sehwag – attack from ball one, play with a straight bat in longer formats, and take calculated risks in white-ball cricket.
This approach has yielded spectacular results, including three world records before turning 26.
Currently, Sakibul leads Bihar’s domestic cricket setup while harboring dreams of playing in the Indian Premier League and eventually representing India at the international level.
His recent performances have made him impossible for selectors and franchise scouts to ignore.
Sakibul Gani Quick Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sakibul Gani |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1999 |
| Age | 25 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Agarwa, Motihari, Bihar, India |
| Hometown | Motihari, East Champaran District, Bihar |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Profession | Professional Cricketer |
| Playing Role | Batting All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Medium-fast |
| Current Team | Bihar (Captain) |
| Debut (List A) | October 7, 2019 vs Jammu & Kashmir (Vijay Hazare Trophy) |
| Debut (T20) | January 11, 2021 vs Arunachal Pradesh (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) |
| Debut (First-class) | February 17, 2022 vs Mizoram (Ranji Trophy) |
| First-class Debut Score | 341 runs (World Record) |
| Fastest List A Century | 32 balls (Indian Record, December 24, 2025) |
| Jersey Number | To be updated |
| Idol | Virender Sehwag |
Early Life and Family Background
Sakibul Gani was born on September 2, 1999, in Agarwa village in Motihari, part of the East Champaran District in Bihar. He grew up in a modest, hardworking family where sports and resilience were part of daily life.
Family
Father: Mohammad Mannan Gani
- Occupation: Runs a sports goods store in Motihari
- Every day, young Sakibul would watch his father leave for the shop, which sold cricket equipment and other sporting goods
- This daily exposure to cricket gear and sporting culture naturally drew Sakibul toward the game
Mother: Asma Khatun
- Supportive and deeply spiritual
- On the day Sakibul left for his first-class debut in 2022, she gifted him three bats
- Performed a traditional ritual of burning mustard seeds to ward off the evil eye, blessing him: “Go son, and score a century”
- Her blessing proved prophetic as Sakibul not only scored a century but a historic triple century
Siblings: Sakibul is the youngest of six siblings, giving him a large, supportive family structure that played a crucial role in his development as a cricketer.
The Influential Elder Brother: Faisal Gani
The most important figure in Sakibul’s cricket journey is his elder brother Faisal Gani, who is both his first coach and mentor.
Faisal’s Cricket Career:
- Played List A cricket for Bihar
- Represented Bihar in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Experienced the pain of Bihar’s cricket disappearance from the national map
Bihar Cricket’s Dark Period (2009): In 2009, when Faisal was actively playing, the Bihar Cricket Association was not recognized by the BCCI.
Bihar’s team disappeared from the Ranji Trophy, and Jharkhand took its place. This was a devastating blow for cricketers like Faisal who had invested years in the sport.
Despite this setback, Faisal channeled his passion into coaching his younger brother, determined that Sakibul would achieve the dreams he couldn’t fulfill.
How Sakibul Started Cricket
The Beginning (2009): Sakibul was just eight years old when his cricket journey began. According to Faisal:
“In 2009, he saw me playing a tournament, and then he came to me and said he wants to be a cricketer. I used to take him to the cricket ground and make him sit and ask him to observe the game.
I used to discuss the match at the end of the day with him. That’s how I developed an interest in pushing him to take up the sport.”
Sakibul’s Memory: “I fell in love with the sport because of my elder brother. I used to see him play and that too very closely. I used to clap and cheer for his performances.
One day, he asked me – ‘do you want to play cricket?’ I didn’t take time to answer and immediately said yes. After that, his support and guidance is what has brought me here.”
Refusing the Jersey: Early Signs of Character
One story perfectly captures young Sakibul’s character and determination. Faisal once offered Sakibul his Bihar state-level jersey to wear.
Sakibul’s response was firm: “No, I’ll play myself and wear my own jersey.”
He wanted to earn everything through his own merit, not wear borrowed glory. This attitude of self-reliance and earning one’s place would define his entire career.
Growing Up in Motihari
Motihari is not a traditional cricket hub like Mumbai, Bangalore, or Delhi. Cricket infrastructure, coaching facilities, and exposure to high-level cricket were all limited.
Yet, Sakibul and Faisal made the most of what they had, practicing at local grounds and learning from whatever resources were available.
The challenges of coming from a smaller town made Sakibul hungrier for success and more determined to prove that talent exists everywhere, not just in metropolitan cities.
Education
Sakibul Gani completed his schooling in Motihari, Bihar. While specific details about his educational institutions and qualifications are not widely publicized, he balanced academics with his growing commitment to cricket during his formative years.
Like many aspiring cricketers from smaller towns, Sakibul prioritized cricket training and match experience over pursuing higher education, choosing instead to dedicate himself fully to his sporting career once opportunities emerged at the state level.
Cricket Career: The Journey of Records
Early Domestic Career (2019-2021)
List A Debut (October 7, 2019): Sakibul made his List A debut for Bihar against Jammu & Kashmir in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy at Jaipur. This marked his entry into senior men’s cricket at the state level.
Initial Years: Like many young cricketers, Sakibul’s early domestic career had its ups and downs. He was finding his feet, understanding the demands of professional cricket, and working on his game across formats.
T20 Debut (January 11, 2021): Sakibul made his T20 debut for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Chennai, expanding his presence in white-ball cricket.
During these initial years, Sakibul showed promise but hadn’t yet exploded onto the national consciousness. That was about to change dramatically.
The Historic First-Class Debut (February 17, 2022)
Setting:
- Match: Bihar vs Mizoram
- Tournament: 2021-22 Ranji Trophy
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Date: February 17-20, 2022
The Knock: Walking out for his first-class debut, Sakibul Gani had his mother’s blessings and one of the three bats she had gifted him. What followed was nothing short of cricketing history.
Final Score: 341 runs off 405 balls
- Boundaries: 56 fours and 2 sixes
- Partnership: Helped Bihar declare at 686/5
- Duration: A marathon innings showcasing concentration and stamina
World Record Achievement: Sakibul became the first cricketer in history to score a triple century on first-class debut. This surpassed the previous debut record of 267 not out by Ajay Rohera.
Reaction and Recognition: The cricketing world took notice. Even Sachin Tendulkar praised Sakibul for his remarkable feat, congratulating him on this historic achievement.
Sakibul’s Reflection: “I played every stroke with a straight bat. But I would like to bat like Sehwag sir when I play T20s or List A cricket. My dream is to play for India, but before that I would love to play in the IPL one day.”
The 540-Run Record (February 2022)
Match: Bihar vs Sikkim at Eden Gardens (second Ranji match)
Sakibul’s historic debut wasn’t a fluke. In his very next Ranji Trophy match against Sikkim, also at Eden Gardens, he continued his extraordinary run.
First Innings: 98 runs Just two runs short of another century, Sakibul showed consistency and hunger for runs.
Second Innings: 101 not out Completed his second first-class century in style.
World Record: Combined with his debut 341, Sakibul accumulated 540 runs in his first three first-class innings – a new world record. He overtook former Auckland batter Bill Carson’s previous record of 494 runs.
This extraordinary start to first-class cricket immediately marked Sakibul as a special talent with the temperament for big scores.
Continued Domestic Success (2022-2024)
Ranji Trophy 2022-23:
- Scored 205 runs against Manipur
- Named Man of the Match for his performance
- Helped Bihar secure victory
First-Class Record:
- Maintains an average above 50 in first-class cricket
- Multiple match-winning innings for Bihar
- Known for converting starts into big scores
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25: Leading Bihar as captain against a star-studded Punjab team featuring Indian internationals, Sakibul made a statement while opening the batting.
Facing Arshdeep Singh: Against established Indian speedster Arshdeep Singh, Sakibul smashed three boundaries in the very first over of the match:
- First ball: Classic cover drive
- Second boundary: Sublime flick
- Third boundary: Pull shot
This fearless approach showcased his confidence against international-quality bowling.
The Record-Breaking Day: December 24, 2025
Match: Bihar vs Arunachal Pradesh Tournament: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Venue: JSCA Oval Ground, Ranchi Date: December 24, 2025
This day will go down in Indian cricket history as one of the most explosive batting displays ever witnessed in domestic cricket.
Team Context: Bihar was already creating history, with teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashing a blistering 190 off 84 balls, including a 35-ball hundred.
Sakibul’s Knock: Coming in at No. 5, Bihar captain Sakibul Gani unleashed carnage:
- Final Score: 128 not out off 40 balls
- Century: Reached in just 32 balls
- Boundaries: 10 fours and 12 sixes
- Strike Rate: 320.00
Records Shattered:
- Fastest List A Century by an Indian: 32 balls (previous record: 35 balls by Anmolpreet Singh)
- Third-Fastest List A Century in World Cricket History:
- 1st: Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia) – 29 balls
- 2nd: AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 31 balls
- 3rd: Sakibul Gani (India) – 32 balls
- Same Day Drama: Just minutes later, Ishan Kishan also scored a century in 33 balls, making December 24, 2025, an unforgettable day for Indian List A cricket
Team Total: Bihar posted a world-record List A total of 574/6, surpassing Tamil Nadu’s previous record of 506/2 set in 2022.
Match Statistics:
- Three Bihar batters scored centuries: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (190), Ayush Loharuka (116), and Sakibul Gani (128)
- Piyush Kumar Singh contributed 77
- Total boundaries: 49 fours and 38 sixes
Faisal’s Reaction: His brother and mentor Faisal commented: “He was in touch that day. If he had played 20 more deliveries, he may have hit a double century.”
Family’s Response:
- Father Mannan Gani: “I want him to make our country proud.”
- Mother Asma Khatun: “He has been playing since the age of eight. I am very happy today. He should do well and play in the IPL. We now want to see him in the Indian team.”
This performance put Sakibul firmly in the national spotlight and triggered widespread discussions about IPL contracts and potential India call-ups.
Cricket Statistics
First-Class Cricket
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 15+ |
| Innings | 25+ |
| Runs | 1,200+ |
| Average | Above 50 |
| Highest Score | 341 vs Mizoram (debut) |
| Centuries | Multiple (including 341, 205, 101) |
| First Three Innings | 540 runs (World Record) |
List A Cricket
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 30+ |
| Innings | 28+ |
| Runs | 800+ |
| Fastest Century | 32 balls (Indian Record) |
| Strike Rate | High (power hitter) |
| Recent Knock | 128* off 40 balls vs Arunachal Pradesh |
T20 Cricket
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 20+ |
| Role | Opening/Middle-order batter |
| Bowling | Part-time medium pace |
| Captaincy | Bihar captain |
Playing Style and Strengths
Batting
Philosophy: Sakibul’s batting is heavily influenced by his idol Virender Sehwag:
- Attack from the first ball in limited-overs cricket
- Play with a straight bat in first-class cricket
- Take calculated risks
- Dominate bowlers rather than let them settle
Strengths:
- Clean hitting with exceptional power
- Strong square of the wicket (cuts and pulls)
- Ability to clear boundaries consistently
- Fearless approach against quality bowling
- Converts starts into big scores
- Excellent temperament for marathon innings
Shot Selection:
- Cover drives (classical stroke)
- Pull shots (favorite against short balls)
- Flick shots (wrist work)
- Lofted drives over mid-off and mid-on
- Square cuts
Format Adaptability:
- First-Class: Patient, building innings with a straight bat
- List A: Explosive, aggressive from ball one
- T20: Power-hitting, boundary-hitting specialist
Bowling
Style: Right-arm medium-fast Role: Part-time bowler, can provide breakthroughs Utility: Adds balance as an all-rounder
Fielding
Sakibul is an athletic fielder who can contribute in any position, though specific fielding statistics are not widely documented.
Captaincy
Sakibul currently leads Bihar across formats, demonstrating:
- Leading from the front with bat (128* as captain in Vijay Hazare Trophy)
- Team-first mentality
- Aggressive intent that inspires teammates
- Tactical awareness in field placements and bowling changes
Under his captaincy, Bihar has shown significant improvement in domestic cricket, competing strongly against more established state teams.
Personal Life and Interests
Idol: Virender Sehwag
Sakibul is an ardent fan of former Indian opener Virender Sehwag and models his batting after the swashbuckling legend.
What He Admires:
- Fearless batting approach
- Ability to dominate from ball one
- Record of big scores
- Simplicity in technique
Dream Meeting: “I really admire Virender Sehwag sir. I have watched all his batting videos. Just like Sehwag sir, I also want to make a name for myself. I want to meet Sehwag sir and ask him a lot of questions about batting. I want to take a lot of tips from him. I would love to ask him about his Multan knock.”
(Sehwag scored a magnificent 309 vs Pakistan in Multan, 2004 – India won by an innings and 52 runs)
Family Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Current Residence | Motihari, Bihar |
| Family Support | Very strong from parents and siblings |
Lifestyle
Despite his rising fame and record-breaking performances, Sakibul maintains a grounded lifestyle:
- Lives with his family in Motihari
- Stays connected to his roots
- Focuses on cricket and family
- Avoids excessive social media presence
- Values humility and hard work
Dreams and Aspirations
Immediate Goals:
- IPL Contract: “Before playing for India, I would love to play in the IPL one day”
- Consistent Domestic Performances: Continue delivering match-winning knocks for Bihar
- Captaincy Success: Lead Bihar to more victories in domestic tournaments
Long-term Goals:
- India Call-up: “My dream is to play for India”
- International Success: Replicate domestic success at the highest level
- Inspire Young Cricketers: Especially from smaller towns and states
Net Worth and Earnings
Estimated Net Worth
Current Net Worth: ₹2-3 crore (approximately $250,000-$375,000 as per some estimates)
Income Sources
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| BCCI Match Fees | Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy |
| State Association | Bihar Cricket Association payments |
| Tournament Prizes | Prize money from winning matches |
| Potential IPL Contract | Expected in upcoming auctions |
| Endorsements | Limited currently, expected to grow |
Financial Background
Coming from a modest family with his father running a sports goods store, Sakibul’s cricket earnings have significantly improved his family’s financial situation. However, he remains grounded and focused on cricket rather than wealth.
Why is Sakibul Gani Trending?
Sakibul Gani has become one of the most trending names in Indian cricket for several reasons:
- Fastest List A Century by an Indian: 32-ball hundred on December 24, 2025
- Triple Century on Debut: First cricketer ever to achieve this feat in first-class cricket
- 540 Runs in First Three Innings: World record that still stands
- Bihar’s Resurgence: Leading Bihar’s competitive performances in domestic cricket
- IPL Prospects: Cricket experts believe his strike rate and power-hitting are perfect for IPL
- Inspirational Journey: From small-town Bihar to national spotlight
- Sehwag Comparisons: His aggressive style reminds fans of the legendary opener
- December 24 Historic Day: Being part of multiple record-breaking performances
Social Media Presence
Sakibul maintains a relatively low-profile social media presence:
- Instagram: Limited activity
- Twitter: Occasional updates
- Focus: Prefers performance on the field over social media popularity
This aligns with his grounded personality and focus on cricket rather than celebrity culture.
Interesting Facts About Sakibul Gani
- He is the first cricketer in history to score a triple century (341) on first-class debut
- His 540 runs in first three first-class innings is a world record
- He scored the fastest List A century by an Indian in just 32 balls
- He is the youngest of six siblings in his family
- His elder brother Faisal is both his mentor and first coach
- He refused to wear his brother’s Bihar jersey, wanting to earn his own
- His mother blessed him to score a century on debut – he scored a triple century with the same bat
- He is an ardent fan of Virender Sehwag and has watched all his batting videos
- He smashed three boundaries against Arshdeep Singh in the first over of a Syed Mushtaq Ali match
- He comes from Motihari, the same district where Mahatma Gandhi started the Champaran Satyagraha
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Sakibul Gani? Sakibul Gani is an Indian cricketer from Bihar who holds multiple batting records including the first triple century on first-class debut and fastest List A century by an Indian.
Q2. What is Sakibul Gani’s age? He is 25 years old, born on September 2, 1999.
Q3. What is Sakibul Gani’s highest score in first-class cricket? His highest score is 341 runs against Mizoram on his Ranji Trophy debut in February 2022.
Q4. What is Sakibul Gani’s fastest century record? He scored the fastest List A century by an Indian in just 32 balls against Arunachal Pradesh on December 24, 2025.
Q5. Which team does Sakibul Gani play for? He plays for Bihar in domestic cricket and currently captains the team across formats.
Q6. Who is Sakibul Gani’s cricket idol? His cricket idol is former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, whose aggressive batting style he tries to emulate.
Q7. Who coached Sakibul Gani? His elder brother Faisal Gani was his first coach and continues to mentor him.
Q8. Has Sakibul Gani played in the IPL? As of January 2026, he has not played in the IPL but is expected to attract attention in upcoming auctions.
Q9. What is unique about Sakibul Gani’s first three first-class innings? He scored 540 runs (341, 98, 101) in his first three first-class innings, a world record.
Q10. Where is Sakibul Gani from? He is from Agarwa village in Motihari, East Champaran District, Bihar.
Q11. What is Sakibul Gani’s batting style? He is a right-handed aggressive batsman known for power-hitting and clean striking.
Q12. Does Sakibul Gani bowl? Yes, he bowls right-arm medium-fast and is considered an all-rounder.
Q13. What records does Sakibul Gani hold? First triple century on first-class debut (341), most runs in first three first-class innings (540), and fastest List A century by an Indian (32 balls).
Q14. Is Sakibul Gani married? No, Sakibul Gani is currently unmarried.
Q15. What are Sakibul Gani’s future goals? He dreams of playing in the IPL and eventually representing India in international cricket.
