Patna: IPL 2026 proved to be a landmark season for Bihar’s cricketers, with five players from the state making significant contributions for their respective franchises. Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Anukul Roy, Sakib Hussain and Mukesh Kumar delivered notable performances across batting and bowling departments.
While experienced campaigners such as Kishan and Mukesh continued to strengthen their reputations, young talents Vaibhav and Sakib emerged among the tournament’s biggest stories.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Breaks Multiple Records
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Samastipur enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Rajasthan Royals. Acquired for Rs 1.10 crore, the left-handed batter established himself as one of the most destructive players in the tournament.
Vaibhav struck 72 sixes during the season, surpassing the previous IPL record of 59 sixes set by Chris Gayle in 2012. He also became the fastest player to reach 1,000 IPL career runs, achieving the milestone in just 440 deliveries and eclipsing the previous record held by Andre Russell.
Across the tournament, Vaibhav faced 327 deliveries and scored 135 boundaries, including 63 fours and 72 sixes. The tally is reported to be the highest number of boundaries struck by a player in a single T20 tournament.
Following his performances, Vaibhav earned selection for the India A squad that will compete in a tri-series in Sri Lanka beginning on June 9.
Ishan Kishan Registers Career-Best IPL Season
Sunrisers Hyderabad secured Ishan Kishan’s services for Rs 11.25 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, and the wicketkeeper-batter responded with the most productive season of his career.
The 28-year-old from Patna scored 602 runs in 15 matches, becoming one of the leading run-scorers of the tournament. It was the first time he crossed the 600-run mark in a single IPL season.
His previous best had been 516 runs during the 2020-21 campaign. Kishan’s aggressive batting at the top of the order played a key role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s campaign.
With this season’s tally, Kishan’s IPL career record has risen to 3,600 runs from 134 matches, including one century and 23 half-centuries.
Sakib Hussain Impresses On Debut
Fast bowler Sakib Hussain from Gopalganj emerged as one of the most promising young bowlers of the season.
Signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 30 lakh, the 21-year-old claimed 15 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 9.25. His best figures were four wickets for 24 runs.
Sakib made an immediate impact on debut against Rajasthan Royals, taking four wickets in his first IPL appearance.
He also achieved a unique milestone by becoming the first bowler in IPL history to take at least one wicket in each of his first 10 consecutive matches.
Anukul Roy Earns India A Recognition
Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Anukul Roy delivered his most productive IPL season to date.
The 27-year-old from Samastipur, bought for Rs 40 lakh, took nine wickets in 14 matches while maintaining an economy rate of 9.60. His best bowling figures were two for 31.
Alongside his bowling contributions, Roy provided useful runs in the lower order and remained an effective presence in the field.
His performances earned him a place in the India A squad for the Sri Lanka tri-series scheduled for June.
Mukesh Kumar Remains A Reliable Option
Delhi Capitals pacer Mukesh Kumar continued to play an important role for his side despite a relatively modest wicket tally.
The franchise retained confidence in the India international by investing Rs 8 crore. Mukesh took six wickets in 10 matches, with his best figures of two for 26.
Although his 2024 campaign remains statistically his strongest IPL season, Mukesh continued to contribute through disciplined bowling, particularly in pressure situations and during the death overs.
Other Bihar Players Await Opportunities
Not every Bihar player in the IPL received game time this season. Sarthak Anand, who was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, and Mumbai Indians’ Md. Izhar did not feature in any matches.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Akash Deep remained unavailable for the tournament due to fitness concerns.
Despite those absences, IPL 2026 highlighted Bihar’s growing presence in Indian cricket, with established stars and emerging talents alike making a significant impact on the league.
